![]() ![]() It’s a great impact, and it’s a great responsibility because we are influencing the next generation of pilots for potentially the next 20 years plus.” “That makes up our heavy combat air forces pilots, as well as our mobility air forces. “We train the T-1A instructors that in-turn train approximately 75 percent of the entire pilot force,” Duffett said. A team of approximately 65 people, including 35 active duty instructor pilots, are responsible for graduating nearly 100 instructor pilots and 10 instructor combat systems operators per year. Instructor pilot trainees combine to fly 8,500 hours a year and 80 sorties every week. The 99th FTS has been located at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph for the past 23 years, and is currently home to 17 T-1A, a medium-range, twin-engine jet. If we can do that, that in and of itself honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.” “By being instructors, they’re going to be able to inspire the next generation of pilots as they go through undergraduate pilot training. “That’s partially what we’re trying to get across to our students as they come through, that if they apply themselves, they can achieve anything. ![]() “We spread the message of overcoming adversity and rising above because I think those are not only Tuskegee messages, those are American messages,” Duffett said. Duffett, 99th FTS commander, said it’s important to be reminded of the Tuskegee Airmen heritage, but also to reflect on what it stands for and how it affects the mission today. Their legacy continues on today with the 99th Flying Training Squadron’s mission statement of training the world’s best instructor pilots and combat systems operators in the T-1A Jayhawk. With red-tailed aircraft by their side, bombers could rest assured they would return from a mission, and young African American children with a dream to serve their nation now had heroes to look up to.Īlthough the legendary Tuskegee Airmen took to the skies 75 years ago, the 99th’s mission didn’t end with the war. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - During World War II, a group of pilots from the 99th Fighter Squadron made a name for themselves as being experts in the sky abroad, while also breaking racial barriers at home. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |