The 12th Flying Training Wing Mission: Train Airmen in the Fundamentals of Airmanship, Instruction and Leadership.

Vision: The Flight Training Center of Excellence -- Innovative, Professional Airmen, steeped in Core Values.

We are the Source of America's Airpower!

 The Wing consists of three Flying Training Groups, the 12th Operations Group at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, the 306th Flying Training Group at U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, and the 479th Flying Training Group at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, as well as a Maintenance Group which operates at JBSA-Randolph and NAS Pensacola.

12th FTW News
The men and women of the 560th Flying Training Squadron welcome you to join us as we celebrate the 45th Annual Freedom Flyer Reunion!
45th Annual Freedom Flyer Reunion
By | March 20, 2018
The 560th Flying Training Squadron hosts the 45th Annual Freedom Flyer Reunion with events March 22 and 23 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Three Freedom Flights are planned between 1 and 2 p.m. March 22, while official Freedom Flyer Reunion events begin March 23. 
T-38C dons F-4’s colors for role during Freedom Flyer Reunion
T-38C dons F-4’s colors for role during Freedom Flyer Reunion
By Robert Goetz | March 16, 2018
An aircraft with a color scheme familiar to Air Force pilots who flew missions during the Vietnam War will play an important role in the 560th Flying Training Squadron’s 45th annual Freedom Flyer Reunion March 22-23.
Retired Col. Joe Milligan poses for a photo, March 13, 2018 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, TX. Milligan was shot down during his 113th combat mission and spent nearly six years as a Prisoner of War in Northern Vietnam. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gwendalyn Smith)
Flight #162, Mission Complete
By Senior Airman Gwendalyn Smith | March 15, 2018
On a Friday afternoon in 1966 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., personnel gathered together for a commander’s call. Among the crowd was Lt. Joe Milligan, now a retired colonel, who unknowingly would make a decision that altered the rest of his career.
Dave Duggar, 12th Maintenance Group J-85 propulsion shop supervisor, conducts an inspection on a T-38 Talon engine Feb. 28 2018, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Duggar oversees the engine shop and test cell ensuring T-38 engines are
Front and Center: Be a leader people trust and come to with their problems
By Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young | March 13, 2018
Since he started in the 12th Maintenance Group at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in September of 2016, Dave Duggar has brought experience and innovation to the J-85 propulsion shop.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Justin Elliott, Air Force Strategic Policy fellow, was recorded while presenting a briefing at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas on Feb. 22, 2018. Elliott’s briefing, sharing an aviator’s perspective on physiological events in flight, is now being integrated into student undergraduate pilot training across Air Education and Training Command bases. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melissa Peterson)
Test pilot briefs T-6 nation
By 1st. Lt. Geneva Croxton | March 13, 2018
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas—An F-16 Fighting Falcon’s sustained 9 g-force break turn is
As part of the 560th Flying Training Squadron's T-38 Navy Test Pilot Transition, a Navy pilot in the front seat prepares for an instrument qualification sortie in a T-38C Talon at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Dec. 13, 2017. Lt. Col. Joel DeBoer, an instructor pilot with the 560th Flying Training Squadron, in the back seat, evaluates the student's performance.
T-38 Navy Test Pilot Transition with the 560th FTS
By Randy Martin, 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs | Dec. 14, 2017
The 560th Flying Squadron trained twenty-six Sailors, Marines, and international test pilots in 2017. The T-38 Navy Test Pilot Transition is vital to a diversely experienced and talented cadre across the joint force.
Capt. Joshua Smith, an weapons systems officer with the 435th Fighter Training Squadron poses for a photo in front of a T-38C Talon Sept. 20, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Smith and a student who was with him on June 29, 2017 were nominated for an Air Education and Training Command safety award for landing their aircraft safely after it experienced engine failure that day.
Crew that overcame engine failure earn AETC safety award nomination
By Robert Goetz | Dec. 4, 2017
What could have been a sortie with disastrous consequences was averted the morning of June 29 by a weapons systems officer and student pilot from the 435th Fighter Training Squadron who were practicing bombing deliveries at a range south of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
More than 500 people attended a funeral in the Fleenor Auditorium at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph's Building 100, Taj Mahal, Nov. 9, 2017 for Senior Master Sgt. Karen Marshall and her husband Robert Scott Marshall. The couple were killed in a shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas Nov. 5, 2017. Karen was an Active Guard and Reserve member and Scott was a civilian employee with the 12th Flying Training Wing.
Sutherland Springs victims, married Airmen, honored
By Randy Martin | Nov. 14, 2017
Civilian employees and military members at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland joined with their Air Force colleagues and the families of two of the Sutherland Springs shooting victims for a funeral Nov. 9, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.
Local residents, service members, and JBSA officials gather at the Oct 25 AICUZ Open House held in Universal City, Texas. The AICUZ Program was developed in 1973 by the Department of Defense as a means of encouraging communities and military airfields to work together and promote development compatible with air operations. The ultimate goal of the AICUZ Program is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those living and working on or near military installations while ensuring continued flight operations.
JBSA pilots and engineers engage with community leaders, residents on compatible use
By 2nd Lt. Matthew Jeffers | Nov. 2, 2017
Open Houses held near JBSA inform the public about the Air Installation Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Program
Maj. Joe Stallings, 558th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, with a T-6 Texan II on the flight line at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Oct. 30, 2017. Stallings was inspired to serve in the Air Force after attending air shows as a child and is the 2017 JBSA Air Show and Open House director of air operations.
Inspired by air shows, now a pilot flying in one
By | Oct. 30, 2017
For Maj. Joe Stallings, growing up on the east coast provided many opportunities to get inspired to serve after going to air shows each summer on a regular basis.
Members of the 12th Flying Training Wing pose with senior leadership after winning the
AETC holds inaugural flying competition
By Maj. Brian Nickerson | Oct. 30, 2017
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, TEXAS – The excitement and anticipation from the crowd was palpable
The first T-38C Talon lands at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Seguin Auxiliary Airfield during a ribbon cutting event signifying the reopening of the JBSA-Randolph Seguin Auxiliary Airfield Jan. 20. Upon completion of a three-year construction project, the airfield is now ready for flying by members of the 560th Flying Training Squadron. The airfield is crucial for “touch and go” training that qualifies fighter and bomber pilots as instructor pilots in the T-38C Talon. The reconstructed runway increases flight safety by distributing training around the San Antonio area, which means fewer aircraft and less congestion around Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. (U.S. Air Force photo by Johnny Saldivar)
JBSA Hosts AICUZ Open Houses to inform public and community leaders on encroachment
By | Oct. 17, 2017
The goal of the Air Installations Compatible Use Zones Program, or AICUZ, is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those living and working on or near military installations while ensuring the continued flight operations.
Commercial users (those people who operate drones for profit) must request a waiver to fly within five miles of any airport. They can contact JBSA easily by dialing 210-652-7827 to start the process.
How Drone Operators and Airfields Share the Sky
By | Oct. 18, 2017
Small unmanned aircraft systems, often called “drones,” are becoming increasingly popular. Drones are easily purchased and make good gifts for hobbyists and commercial users alike. Recent improvements in technology help operators fly their drones higher, faster, longer, and further than ever. Additionally, drones are getting heavier and larger in size.
The Joint Base San Antonio Honor Guard marches past Union Pacific locomotive No. 1943 after posting colors during an unveiling ceremony at Sunset Station in San Antonio, Texas Oct. 19, 2017. UP No. 1943's paint scheme honors Veterans and serving members of the military.
The Spirit Salutes Military Service
By Randy Martin | Oct. 20, 2017
More than 100 active duty military members, Veterans, community leaders, and Union Pacific employees gathered for a ceremony to unveil a special train engine at Sunset Station in San Antonio, Texas Oct. 19.
Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilots are on their way to a classroom for training at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, October 2, 2017. Nine more international officers are currently training with the 435th Fighter Training Squadron’s Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Randy Martin) (171002-F-ET654-006.JPG)
Caring for international officers
By Randy Martin | Oct. 4, 2017
On Monday morning while the Air Force was conducting accountability for Airmen that might have been affected by the October 1, 2017 shooting in Las Vegas, the 12th Flying Training Wing’s "ambassador" was checking the safety of twenty international students he helps daily.
Second Lt. Alberto, 12th Training Squadron student, helps load relief supplies in preparation for air transport Sept. 22, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field. The supplies were being staged at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Incident Support Base at Kelly for transport to areas devastated by Hurricane Maria. (U.S. Air Force image/Dan Hawkins)
12 FTW student puts ‘Service Before Self’ aiding Hurricane Maria relief efforts
By | Sept. 22, 2017
In the midst of a flurry of activity to ready Hurricane Maria relief supplies for air transport at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Incident Support Base at JBSA-Lackland Kelly Field on Sept. 22, one Airman’s mind drifted between task and family, wrestling with service before self.
559th Flying Training Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Matthew Russell listens to a homeless man he met during a volunteer opportunity at the Haven for Hope near downtown San Antonio September 7, 2017. Russell and other leaders from the 12th Flying Training Wing spent time at the HfH learning leadership techniques from HfH's staff.
Many leadership lessons learned from Haven For Hope visit
By Randy Martin | Sept. 11, 2017
The 12th Flying Training Wing’s leaders spent four hours at a homeless shelter Sept. 7 as part of a commanders’ off-site. The Haven for Hope provides a place of hope and new beginnings for more than 2,100 people at a 22-acre campus near downtown San Antonio.
Col. Jupe A. Etheridge, 12th Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Brian E. McKay, 12th Training Squadron commander, during the 12th TRS's activation and assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, August 18, 2017. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Joel Martinez/Released)
12th Flying Training Wing has a new squadron
By Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young | Aug. 22, 2017
The 12th Training Squadron was activated August 18, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph under the 12th Operations Group.
Maj. Andrew Rose, an instructor pilot with the 559th Flying Training Squadron assists his daughter Amber in a T-6A Texan II flight simulator as part of the unit's bring your kids to work day, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Aug 11, 2017. The simulator gave the kids an opportunity to fly around without leaving the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young)
559th Host Bring Your Kids to Work Day
By Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young | Aug. 17, 2017
Airmen with the 559th Flying Training Squadron welcomed younger family members to Hangar 64 on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph for Bring Your Child to Work Day August. 11.
Master Sgt. Christopher, Master Sgt. Raymond, Tech Sgt. Courtney, and Staff Sgt. Matthew pose for a group photo after graduation from Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training at Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph. Courtney is the first female enlisted pilot and Matthew was the distinguished honor graduate. All four are part of the Air Force's Enlisted Pilot Initial Class initiative that merges officer and enlisted pilot candidates in one class for the duration of training. Surnames were witheld and to comply with Air Force guidelines on the release of names for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance personnel. (Photo Illustration/Randy Martin)
Top graduating Air Force pilot is another enlisted first
By Randy Martin | Aug. 7, 2017
A staff sergeant is the top graduate in his Air Force undergraduate remotely piloted aircraft training class. It’s a major feat considering that historically the Air Force has depended almost exclusively on commissioned officers to pilot its aircraft.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Courtney poses for a photo before the 558th Flying Training Squadron's Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training Course graduation August 4, 2017, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Tech. Sgt. Courtney is the first-ever enlisted female to qualify as an RPA pilot. Name badges were blurred due to Air Force limits on disclosure of identifying information for RPA operators. (U.S. Air Force Illustration by Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young)
Air Force graduates its first enlisted female pilot
By Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young | Aug. 4, 2017
The Air Force’s first female enlisted pilot completed Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training August 4, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.
Air Chief Marshal Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom presents the Air Education Training Command Commander’s Trophy for Combat Systems Officer Class 17-11 to 2nd Lt. Logan Pietrzak during the graduation ceremony held inside the Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida., June 23, 2017.
Senior NATO Airman visits Air Force school at Navy base
By Story by Randy Martin | June 28, 2017
The head of the United Kingdom’s armed forces and a frontrunner for the biggest job in NATO visited
Angel Vasquez is the June 29, 2017 12th Flying Training Wing pilot for a day at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The Pilot for a Day program participants battle a variety of illnesses and diseases, to include terminal illnesses. For many children with severe, but not terminal illnesses, the program is a significant milestone in their recovery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sean Worrel)
Pilot for a Day fills birthday wish
By Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young | June 29, 2017
Angel Vasquez woke up June 29 on his 17th birthday not expecting the surprise of being recognized as an honorary pilot at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
Dave Duggar, propulsion shop supervisor, receives an update on one of the J-85 engines from one of his team members inside Hangar 5 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, May 8, 2017.
Same problem, new solution
By Tech. Sgt. Ave Young | June 14, 2017
In September last year, David Duggar, the new propulsion shop supervisor for the 12th Flying Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio – Randolph saw an opportunity to improve performance that affected two shops in the 12th Maintenance Group.
Master Sgt. Alex, one of the first Enlisted Pilot Initial Class students, operated the controls for a simulator during the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Fundamentals Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, April 19, 2017. Alex is assigned to Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Training Class 17-10, 558th Flying Training Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young) The Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Training Class 17-10 patch is worn by all the students and was designed with the master sergeant insignia to represent the Enlisted Pilot Initial Class students. Master Sgt. Alex, one of the first Enlisted Pilot Initial Class students, operated the controls for a simulator during the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Fundamentals Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, April 19, 2017.
Air Force Reaches EPIC Milestone
By Randy Martin | April 20, 2017
The first three noncommissioned officers in the Enlisted Pilot Initial Class will complete
Jimmy Pulido, left, 12th Flying Training Wing maintenance egress supervisor and Michael LoBue, egress technician, prepare to install a foldable seat on a T-38 aircraft, April 17, 2017.
Aircraft towing made safer thanks to 502nd TDS-designed temporary seat
By Robert Goetz, 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs | April 19, 2017
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - A temporary aircraft seat designed and fabricated at the
Civilian employees with the newly activated 12th maintenance Group activate the group's three squadrons during a ceremony Feb. 10 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The group is the first civil service maintenance directorate in Air Education and Training Command to reorganize as a group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Randy Martin)
Reorganization yields AETC’s first civil service maintenance group
By Randy Martin | Feb. 17, 2017
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The first civil service aircraft maintenance organization
Brian Hall, 12th Maintenance Group operations division chief, discusses leadership principals with members of the 12th MXG Jan. 25, 2017, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The 12th MXG maintains T-38C Talons, T-1 Jayhawks and T-6 Texans for the 12th Flying Training Wing.
12th MXG invests in human capital
By Senior Airman Stormy Archer | Jan. 30, 2017
The 12th Maintenance Group conducted a week-long leadership development course for civilian aircraft
Maj. Jason Powell, 12th Flying Training Wing chief of flight safety, aims an air pellet rifle at a white-winged dove July 13, 2016 on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The air pellet rifle is similar to a BB gun, but it uses tank-compressed air and non-lead pellets instead of pumped air and BBs.
BASH program decreases bird strikes, makes air space safer for pilots
By | July 20, 2016
Sporting a neon yellow safety vest with a 12th Flying Training Wing Safety patch Velcro-ed to the
More
Past Coverage
”What Now, Airman?” spurs discussion about ethical dilemmas
April 2, 2018
Military child in spotlight at JBSA-Randolph's Famaganza
March 30, 2018
JBSA-Randolph firing range upgrades enhance visibility, save money
March 27, 2018
Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off March 26
March 23, 2018
Main chapel remains one of JBSA-Randolph’s ‘great jewels’
March 19, 2018
T-38C dons F-4’s colors for role during Freedom Flyer Reunion
March 16, 2018
Flight #162, Mission Complete
March 15, 2018
Front and Center: Be a leader people trust and come to with their problems
March 13, 2018
Genealogy program at JBSA-Randolph helps attendees untangle family trees
March 5, 2018
12 FTW aircrews testing tablet computers for use throughout AETC
February 21, 2018
Staying Connected