PHOTOS | F-16 pilots graduate at 149th Fighter Wing

Members of the 149th Fighter Wing stand at attention while their family members stand with their hand over their heart during the playing of the national anthem at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on Dec. 15, 2023. The 149th FW was hosting a graduation ceremony for the newest group of Air Force F-16 fighter pilots. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Derek Gutierrez)

U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Schill, the 149th Fighter Wing Operations Group commander, addresses the crowd at an F-16 fighter pilot graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on Dec. 15, 2023. The 149th FW Operations Group is responsible for the unit’s F-16 student pilot training mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Derek Gutierrez)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Malone, an instructor pilot for the 149th Fighter Wing, addresses the crowd at an F-16 fighter pilot graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on Dec. 15, 2023. The 149th Fighter Wing’s mission is to produce the finest airmen for global engagements and domestic operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Derek Gutierrez)

U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Schill, left, the 149th Fighter Wing Operations Group commander, presents the distinguished graduate award to 1st Lt. John Arnold during a graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on Dec. 15, 2023. Each pilot that graduated went through 141 training days which included academics, simulators, and flying missions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Derek Gutierrez)

U.S. Air Force Col. Carol Kohtz, left, the 149th Fighter Wing Commander, presents a certificate of completion to 1st Lt. Mariah Waters during an F-16 fighter pilot graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on Dec. 15, 2023. Each pilot that graduated went through 141 training days which included academics, simulators, and flying missions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Derek Gutierrez)

From left, U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Thomas King, 1st Lt. John Arnold, 1st Lt. Johnny Rue, 1st Lt. Michael Smith, 1st Lt. Austin Aitro, Capt. Preston Egan, 1st Lt. Mariah Waters and 1st Lt. James Waller, F-16 Fighter pilots for the 182nd Fighter Squadron, pose for a group photo during their graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on Dec. 15, 2023. The eight pilots collectively have more than 1000 hours of flight time in the F-16 fighter jet. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Derek Gutierrez)