JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
The 39th Flying Training Squadron honored one of their own by dedicating the squadron building to Maj. Peter Jahns in a ceremony on May 17.
Jahns was an instructor pilot assigned to the 100th Flying Training Squadron, later designated the 39th FTS, who died during in a T-38 accident March 19, 2003 at then Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
The accident occurred during a 'touch-and-go' landing when the right main tire gave way, followed by the left main tire giving way during the ensuing efforts to retain control. The aircraft veered off the runway, striking a barrier stanchion at the end of the runway, forcibly ejecting Maj. Jahns from the front cockpit. The other pilot survived with minor injuries.
The aircraft was assigned to the 560th Flying Training Squadron, but both pilots were assigned to the 100th FTS. The squadron provides reserve component instructor pilots to support the mission of the 12th Flying Training Wing.
"Pete was an inspiration to all he met, not because of his accomplishments, because the way he treated people. He was humble and kind," said Lt. Col. (Ret.) J.K. Switzer, commander of the 560th FTS at the time of the accident. "He had a passion for everything he set out to do."
After Jahns' death, letters from around the world were sent to his family, remembering him as a very giving and caring person, who enriched the lives of many.
Jahns' widow, Rhonda, recalls her husband as her real life hero. "Pete loved his country and serving in the Air Force. Every day he would set out to work and state 'I'm on my way to keep my country free.' Even though he was a great pilot, he knew the most important job of all was being a dad."
"We shared many adventures together that made life exciting. Just knowing and loving Pete has made me a better person and mother," said Rhonda.
Jahns graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy as a Distinguished Graduate in 1985. He served in the Air Force until 1993 when separated from active duty and to fly for a commercial airline. He returned to active duty in 1995 and joined the Reserves in March 1999. He had more than 4,700 flying hours in the T-37, T-38, F-15, and Boeing 737.
Among his numerous accomplishments, he was the 1991 Air Training Command Instructor of the Year, a 1992 Distinguished Graduate of Squadron Officer School, a 1994 Distinguished Graduate for a NASA Research Grant, and a 1994 Distinguished Graduate Fellowship of the Oklahoma State University College of Engineering. Jahns held a Masters of Education in international relations from North West Oklahoma State University, a Masters of Science in aerospace engineering from Oklahoma State University, and was a graduate of Air Command and Staff College.
At the time of the memorial service in 2003 his children were aged, 5, 3 and 20. "Today's building dedication was an opportunity to provide a memory for the younger children, showing them our deep appreciation and the many lives their father touched," said Lt. Col. Todd Ernst, 39th FTS. "By dedicating this building we are ensuring his remarkable legacy as a dedicated officer, distinguished scholar, and extraordinary instructor pilot who will inspire others for years to come."