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San Antonio revives aircraft to ensure operational readiness
March 4, 2025 — A Defense Contract Management Agency team works closely together across different job functions to ensure smooth operations of the largest maintenance repair overhaul facility in the agency... MORE

Photo of F/A-18 Super Hornet on a flight line with two fire trucks on either side spraying water over it in a water salute.

Nineteenth Air Force commander receives pilot training immersion
November 4, 2024 — Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, Nineteenth Air Force commander, toured the 14th Flying Training Wing, 14th Operations Group from Oct. 21-24 for an immersion tour of Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, in preparations for the new T-7A Red Hawk bed down facilities, and to discuss the future of the next generation of pilots. ... MORE

Air Force officer honors family legacy through medical service, leadership
October 4, 2024 — As an Air Force allergist and immunologist, U.S. Air Force Maj. Lauren Gabreski carries the values instilled by her grandfather. After completing the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center on June 30, 2024, she transitioned to the 48th Healthcare Operations Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Reflecting on her journey before the move, Gabreski shared how her family's military service shaped her path. ... MORE

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Baxter, allergist and immunologist with the 56th Healthcare Operations Squadron, Maj. Lauren Gabreski, allergist and immunologist with the 48th HCOS, and Lt. Col. Tasha Hellu, allergist and immunologist with the 10th HCOS, pose for a graduation photo by a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt at the Lackland Parade Field, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, in June 2024. Gabreski’s grandfather, retired Air Force Col. Francis “Gabby” Gabreski, flew the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt during World War II and the Korean War, becoming one of only seven U.S. combat pilots to achieve ace status in two wars. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Steigelman)

Laughlin Air Force Base supports Air Force instructor pilot training at JBSA-Randolph
August 23, 2024 — First Assignment Instructor Pilots (FAIPS) from Laughlin Air Force Base are stepping up to support Pilot Instructor Training (PIT) at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph (JBSA), Texas, ensuring instructors of tomorrow are prepared to train the next generation of U.S. Air Force pilots nationwide... MORE

First Assignment Instructor Pilots (FAIPS) from Laughlin are stepping up to support Pilot Instructor Training (PIT) at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph (JBSA), Texas, ensuring instructors of tomorrow are prepared to train the next generation of U.S. Air Force pilots nationwide.

Innovation continues with Det. 24’s change of command
June 14, 2022 — Lt. Col. Steve “Tiger” Briones took command of Detachment 24 from Lt. Col. Ryan “Motor” Riley during a change of command ceremony at the Kendrick Club at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph June 10. Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, Nineteenth Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and talked about the ground breaking progress within pilot training because of Det. 24. ... MORE

Air Force unveils new airpower ad in theaters
May 9, 2022 — The U.S. Air Force plans to unveil their latest commercial titled “Own the Sky” in theaters during moviegoers’ long-awaited release of "Top Gun: Maverick." The heart-pounding, adrenaline-inducing ad gives the audience a sense of what it might feel like to be on the receiving end of the Air Force’s might and accentuates the importance of airpower in America’s security... MORE

Screenshot of a new Air Force ad called "Own the Sky" showcasing fighter pilots and airpower.

‘Candy Bomber’ passes away at 101
February 18, 2022 — Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen, also known as the "Candy Bomber," passed away Feb. 16. He was 101 years old. Starting his career in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, Halvorsen served as a pilot until his retirement in 1974, after accumulating more than 8,000 flying hours and 31 years of military service... MORE

Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen, also known as the "Candy Bomber," passed away Feb. 16, 2022. He was 101 years old.

AETC Det. 62 begins eVTOL training requirements research with simulator delivery
February 7, 2022 — Air Education and Training Command's Detachment 62 began its research into training requirements for emerging electric vertical takeoff/landing, or eVTOL, aircraft with the arrival of a Joby eVTOL aircraft simulator at Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field Feb. 4... MORE

picture of semi truck making delivery in hangar

Renowned Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager dies
December 9, 2020 — Famed test pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager died Dec. 7. He was 97. Probably his most notable achievement was piloting the Bell X-1 experimental rocket plane, in which he became the first human to fly faster than the speed of sound in 1947, shortly after the founding of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service... MORE

Famed test pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager has died, Dec. 7. He was 97.

Rated Preparatory Program now accepting applications for FY21 spring class
November 23, 2020 — Active duty Department of the Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen and Space Professionals interested in becoming a rated officer have until Dec. 31, 2020 to apply for the Spring 2021 Rated Preparatory Program... MORE

Active duty Department of the Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen and Space Professionals interested in becoming a rated officer have until Dec. 31, 2020 to apply for the Spring 2021 Rated Preparatory Program.

Rated Preparatory Program now accepting applications for FY21 spring class
November 9, 2020 — Active duty Department of the Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen and Space Professionals interested in becoming a rated officer have until Dec. 31, 2020 to apply for the Spring 2021 Rated Preparatory Program... MORE

Register now for 'Pathway to Wings' accessions and rated boards brief Aug. 5
July 17, 2020 — The U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service will host a “Pathway to Wings” interactive career briefing for potential future Air Force officers interested in learning more about accessions and rated boards beginning at 1 p.m. central time Aug. 5, 2020... MORE

graphic with Seven Airmen in flight suits standing next to T-38 aircraft

Pilot Training Next, Air Force ROTC partner for distance learning instruction
February 11, 2020 — For the first time ever, Air Force ROTC cadets with Detachment 536 at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, received real-time instruction remotely from a fully qualified Air Force instructor pilot sitting an airport in Louisiana... MORE

Pilot Training Next helped make Air Force ROTC history while pushing the limits of technology and training during their recent partnership with Clarkson University.

BASHing bird strikes aim of JBSA-Randolph program
January 13, 2020 — A bird strike is a collision between a bird and an aircraft, but the term is often expanded to cover other wildlife strikes, such as bats or ground animals. ... MORE

Pilot instructor training "embraces change" through virtual reality
October 22, 2018 — Pilot Instructor Training Next is using virtual reality simulators and 360-degree video headsets integrated into the syllabi, helping enable overall Air Education and Training Command effort to leverage emerging technology across the training enterprise... MORE

Lt. Col. Derek McCafferty (left) and Maj. Erik Jones, 99th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilots, prepare for a virtual flying training sortie Oct. 9, 2018, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The 99th FTS, along with the 560th FTS, have integrated virtual reality simulators into the pilot instructor training syllabus as part of an overall strategic effort to leverage emerging technology across the training enterprise.

560th FTS Ends 2017 Strong with T-38 Navy Test Pilot Transition
December 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... MORE

Air Force Chief of Staff meets with airline executives
May 20, 2017 — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein hosted a National Pilot Sourcing Meeting with airline executives to discuss the national pilot shortage in Alexandria, Va., May 18. ... MORE

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein discusses the national pilot sourcing with airline executives at the National Pilot Sourcing Meeting in Alexandria, Va., May 18, 2017. The meeting was held to discuss opportunities to improve collaboration between airlines and the military to ensure high-quality pilots for the need of the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jannelle McRae)

VLPAD adds 51 jobs, more active-duty openings for officer, enlisted
April 18, 2017 — The Air Force has expanded the Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty program, adding 51 additional Air Force specialty codes for select air reserve component officers... MORE

The Air Force Voluntary Period of Active Duty program just added 51 career field specialties. VLPAD gives certain Reserve and Guard Airmen the chance to serve on active duty for three years and one day while receiving active duty benefits in order to meet Air Force mission requirements. (U.S. Air Force courtesy graphic)