An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

12th Flying Training Wing

The 12th Flying Training Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, develops the next generation of Air Force aviators and enlisted aircrew by providing world-class flying training and education. The wing trains Airmen in the fundamentals of airmanship, instruction and leadership, preparing them for success in operational units across the Air Force. Through undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training, Pilot Instructor Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot indoctrination, enlisted aviator training, and other specialized programs, the 12th FTW produces skilled, adaptable, and combat-ready professionals capable of meeting the demands of today's complex operating environment while strengthening the future of American airpower.

 

 

12FTW Units

aircraft mechanic, performs maintenance 12th Maintenance Group
12th Maintenance Group
See More
Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
See More
An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
See More

Articles

Logistics team boosts medical versatility of New Horizons 2016

  • Published
  • By Shannon Carabajal
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  Adapt and overcome is more than a catch phrase for two 59th Medical Wing warrior medics. Their ingenuity recently expanded surgical capabilities during New Horizons 2016 in the Dominican Republic.

The annual U.S. Southern Command-led readiness training exercise brought military civil engineers and medics together to provide humanitarian, dental and medical services to communities in the small Caribbean nation.

The actions of Tech. Sgt. Marchello Tolbert and Staff Sgt. Jayson Dinsmoor, 59th Medical Logistics and Readiness Squadron, helped bring laparoscopic surgery to New Horizons for the first time.

When the field laparoscope tower – a rugged version of the equipment ideal for disaster relief and humanitarian efforts – arrived in the Dominican Republic, the 59th MDW medical logistics team - responsible for setting up all the medical equipment used during the 90-day exercise - realized it had a problem.

“You need compressed carbon dioxide to use the tower. The tanks they had in country were nonstandard and incompatible with the equipment. All the fittings were different,” explained Maj. Matthew Weber, 59th MDW medical logistics director.

Tolbert and Dinsmoor’s resourcefulness got the equipment running without delay. They scoured hardware stores and local shops in the community and eventually found the piece they needed at a refrigerator shop. The Airmen worked with Lt. Col. Shane Garrett, an anesthesiologist from the Air Force Academy, who assembled the pieces and ensured a satisfactory connection. Just in time, according to Weber.

“That Thursday, one of the (medics supporting the trip) came down with appendicitis. Without the ability to perform laparoscopic surgery, the patient would have had to be flown back to the states or undergo open surgery,” said Weber. Both those options would have been risky. It’s good fortune that we had the equipment up and running and were able to do the procedure.”

“Sergeants Tolbert and Dinsmoor demonstrated what we have come to expect from all 59th Medical Wing Airmen – the ability to adapt, innovate, and take decisive action to accomplish the mission!” said Maj. Gen. Bart Iddins, 59th MDW commander.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique. Patient recovery is generally quicker and less painful because the surgeon creates only a few small incisions, rather than one large incision, according to Lt. Col. (Dr.) Shawnn Nichols, surgical oncologist and general surgeon with the 959th Medical Operations Squadron.

Nichols’ general surgery team used the equipment to perform three gallbladder removal surgeries and one appendectomy during the team’s two-week rotation to the Dominican Republic in May.

“They’ve never had the capability in the region we were in – a very austere environment,” Nichols said “In fact, there are only a few hospitals with that capability in all of the country.”

“The ability to get patients back on their feet quickly is especially important here due to limited support for extended patient care,” he added.

The wing hopes to expand the capability for future exercises.

For more about the wing’s role in New Horizons 2016, visit www.59mdw.af.mil and look for the Warrior Medic News on www.facebook.com/59mdw.

Public Affairs Information

Tours of the 12th Flying Training Wing are provided to various community organizations, high schools, businesses, and academic military recruitment programs to educate their members about the 12th FTW mission.

Due to the high volume of requests and limited public affairs resources, tours and static displays are limited.

Please submit all requests in writing to the 12th FTW Public Affairs by email to 12ftw.pa.1@us.af.mil at least three weeks but no more than six weeks in advance. You may also call 210-652-1272.

Tours are not available on weekends and may be cancelled at any time because of increased security measures or mission requirements. The 12th FTW does not host tours of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph at-large. To schedule a tour of JBSA-Randolph, please contact JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs at 502abw.pa.official@us.af.mil or dial 210-652-4410.

If desired, requestors must arrange all meals. PA will provide contact information to base eateries. Modified tours will be granted for those with limited mobility - this must be stated on the tour request. If not stated, it is assumed that mobility is not an issue.