RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The 479th Flying Training Group stationed in Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., celebrated a historic milestone June 23 when they flew the first combat system officers.
Lt. Col. Eric Wright, 479th FTG instructor, and 1st Lt. Laura Jeffrey, 451st Flying Training Squadron student, were the first CSO team in the air for the 479th FTG.
Colonel Wright, who completed Pilot Instructor Training at Randolph Air Force Base, said that he had been looking forward to this day for a long time. He was ecstatic when he learned his name was on the top of the list of fliers that day.
Colonel Wright also commented that "this is a big deal because it is the next era of navigator training and the transition to the new roles of the Combat Systems Officer."
Lieutenant Jeffrey joined Colonel Wright for the maiden voyage.
"This first flight with Lt. Col. Wright was an experience of a lifetime!" said Lieutenant Jeffrey. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of this rigorous training program and am eager to see the program grow."
As part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure, training that was once geographically separated is now combined in a 220-day CSO course at the 479th FTG in Pensacola. The 479th FTG falls under the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph and includes three squadrons: the 479th Operations Support Squadron, the 451st Flying Training Squadron and the 455th Flying Training Squadron.