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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox Military Unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 14th Flying Training Wing
|image= [[Image:14th Flying Training Wing.jpg|200px]]
| unit_name = 14th Flying Training Wing[[File:Air Education and Training Command.svg|center|60px]]
| image = T-38C Formation.jpg
|caption=
| image_size = 290
|dates= 1947-1966; 1972-Present
| caption = Northrop T-38C formation from the 50th Flying Training Squadron<ref group=note>Northrop T-38C Talons serials 66-4327, 68–8162 and 68-8187 are identifiable.</ref>
|country=[[United States]]
| dates = 1947–1949; 1966–1971; 1972–present
|allegiance=
| country = {{USA}}
|branch=[[United States Air Force|Air Force]]
| branch = {{air force|USA}}
|type=[[Training]]
| type =
|role=
| role = Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT)
|size=
| size =
|command_structure=[[Air Education and Training Command]]
| command_structure = [[Air Education and Training Command]]
|current_commander=[[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] [http://www.columbus.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=11384 Roger Watkins]
|garrison=[[Columbus Air Force Base]]
* [[Nineteenth Air Force]]
| garrison = [[Columbus Air Force Base]]
|ceremonial_chief=
| nickname = Team Blaze
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
| patron =
|nickname=Blaze
| motto = "Cultivate Airman, Create Pilots and Connect"
|patron=
| colors =
|motto=Day and Night - Peace and War
| march =
|colors=
| mascot =
|identification_symbol=
| battles = [[Vietnam War]]
|march=
| anniversaries =
|mascot=
| decorations = [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)]] <br />[[Air Force Meritorious Unit Award]]<br />[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] with [[Combat "V" Device]]<br /> Air Force Outstanding Unit Award<br/>[[Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross|Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm]]
|battles=<center>[[Image:Vietnam Service Ribbon.svg|60px]]</center>
| battle_honours = <!-- Insignia -->
* Vietnam Service (1966–1971)
|notable_commanders= [[Robert H. Foglesong]]
| notable_commanders = [[Robert H. Foglesong]]
| identification_symbol = [[File:14th Flying Training Wingnewemblem.PNG|165px]]
|anniversaries=
| identification_symbol_label = 14th Flying Training Wing emblem <small>(approved 19 June 1967, restored 21 December 2007)</small><ref name=14FTWfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432224/14-flying-training-wing-aetc/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 14 Flying Training Wing (AETC)|date=23 August 2011|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=24 October 2016}}</ref>
|decorations= [[Image:Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|75 px]] [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|PUC]] <BR> [[Image:Air Force Meritorious Unit ribbon.svg|75 px]] [[Meritorious Unit Citation|MUA]] <BR> [[Image:Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg|75 px]] [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award|AFOUA]] <BR> [[Image:Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg|75 px]] [[Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross|RVGC w/ Palm]]
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:14th Flying Training Wing.png|165px]]
|battle_honours=
| identification_symbol_2_label = 14th Flying Training Wing <small>(approved 16 September 1994)</small><ref name=14FTWfacts/>
| current_commander = [[Colonel (United States)|Col.]] Justin T. Grieve
| commander2 = Col. Jonathan Cato
| commander2_label = Deputy Commander
| commander3 = [[Command Chief Master Sergeant|CMSgt]] Todd R. Rosenzweig
| commander3_label = Command Chief
| ceremonial_chief =
| colonel_of_the_regiment =
}}
}}
[[Image:T-38C Formation.jpg|thumb|Northrup T-38C formation from the 50th Flying Training Squadron. 66-4327, 68-8162 and 68-8187 identifiable.]]
: ''See [[14th Operations Group]] for complete lineage and timeline information.''
The '''14th Flying Training Wing''' ('''14 FTW''') is a [[wing (air force unit)|wing]] of the [[United States Air Force]] based out of [[Columbus Air Force Base]], [[Mississippi]].


The '''14th Flying Training Wing''' is a [[wing (air force unit)|wing]] of the [[United States Air Force]] based out of [[Columbus Air Force Base]], [[Mississippi]].
==Mission==
The [[14th Operations Group]] and its six squadrons are responsible for the 52-week Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) mission. The group also performs quality assurance for contract aircraft maintenance.


The 14th Mission Support Group provides essential services with a 5-squadron/2-division, 750+ person work force and $38 million budget. It operates/maintains facilities and infrastructure for a {{convert|6013|acre|km2|sing=on}} pilot training base and provides contracting, law enforcement, supply, transportation, fire protection, communications, education, recreation and personnel management for 9,500 people. The group is also responsible for wartime preparedness and contingency operations.
The [[14th Operations Group]] and its six squadrons are responsible for the 52-week Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) mission. The group also performs quality assurance for contract aircraft maintenance.
The 14th Mission Support Group provides essential services with a 5-squadron/2-division, 750+ person work force and $38&nbsp;million budget. It operates/maintains facilities and infrastructure for a {{convert|6013|acre|km2|adj=on}} pilot training base and provides contracting, law enforcement, supply, transportation, fire protection, communications, education, recreation and personnel management for 9,500 people. The group is also responsible for wartime preparedness and contingency operations.

==History==
===Air Defense===
The 14th Fighter Wing was established on 29 July 1947. It provided air defense for the northeastern United States, 1947–1949.<ref name=14FTWfacts/>

===Vietnam War===
[[File:Fairchild AC-119G Shadow of the 17th SOS at Phù Cát Air Base, South Vietnam, in 1969 (51018-F-1234P-019).jpg|thumb|left|Fairchild AC-119G "Shadow" gunship Serial 53-3178 17th Special Operations Squadron – 1969. Transferred to Republic of Vietnam Air Force in 1971.]]
[[File:AC-47D 4SOS NhaTrang Mar69.jpg|thumb|left|Douglas AC-47B-30-DK "Spooky" gunship Serial 44-76625 of the 4th Special Operations Squadron- March 1969]]
The unit was redesignated as the '''14th Air Commando Wing''' and was reactivated at [[Nha Trang Air Base]] Republic of Vietnam on 8 March 1966. On 1 August 1968 it was renamed the '''14th Special Operations Wing''' and was the host unit at the base until 30 September 1971. From 15 October 1969 through 30 September 1971 the 14th SOW also operated and conducted missions from [[Phan Rang Air Base]], Republic of Vietnam.<ref name=14FTWfacts/>

Operations included [[Close air support|close]] and direct air support, interdiction, combat [[airlift]], aerial resupply, visual and photographic reconnaissance, [[unconventional warfare]], [[counterinsurgency]] operations, [[psychological warfare]] (including leaflet dropping and aerial broadcasting), [[forward air control]] operations and escort, [[search and rescue]], escort for convoy and [[defoliation]] operations, [[Flare (pyrotechnic)|flare]] drops, civic actions, and [[Humanitarian aid|humanitarian]] actions.<ref name=14FTWfacts/>

The 14th Air Commando Wing distinguished itself by extraordinary heroism, exceptional gallantry and outstanding performance of duty in action against hostile forces in Southeast Asia from 8 March 1966 to 7 March 1967, earning a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]]. Flying thousands of different sorties, elements of the Wing caused many enemy casualties and destroyed or damaged more than 8,500 structures, 500 trucks and 60 fuel sites as well as numerous automatic weapon positions, radio stations, bridges and boats.

Flying the venerable [[Douglas C-47]] aircraft, one squadron of the Wing helped abort a large number of night hostile operations against friendly forts and hamlets through flare drops and minigun saturation fire. Despite the often heavy and accurate enemy antiaircraft fire, the search and rescue missions of the Wing recovered 91 skilled airmen during this period. In addition, the Wing's psychological warfare missions directly or indirectly influenced the surrender of thousands of enemy soldiers.

The wing also provided maintenance support for a number of tenants. The wing trained [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] (RVNAF) personnel in AC-119 operations and maintenance, February–August 1971, and transferred some of its A[[C-119]]s to the RVNAF, August–September 1971 as part of a phase-down for inactivation.<ref name=14FTWfacts/>

===Flying training at Columbus===
The 14th replaced, and absorbed resources of, the 3650th Pilot Training Wing in June 1972 at [[Columbus Air Force Base]], Mississippi, and assumed an undergraduate pilot training program, plus base operations and maintenance.<ref name=14FTWfacts/>


==Units==
==Units==
The 14th Flying Training Wing is currently made up of:
'''[[14th Operations Group]] (14 OG)'''
* '''[[14th Operations Group]] (14 OG)'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=14th Operations Group |url=https://www.columbus.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/353247/14th-operations-group/ |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=Columbus Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref>
*[[37th Flying Training Squadron]] (37 FTS)
*[[41st Flying Training Squadron]] (41 FTS)
: [[37th Flying Training Squadron]] (37 FTS)
*[[43d Flying Training Squadron]] (43 FTS)
: [[41st Flying Training Squadron]] (41 FTS)
*[[48th Flying Training Squadron]] (48 FTS)
: [[48th Flying Training Squadron]] (48 FTS)
*[[49th Fighter Training Squadron]] (49 FTS)
: [[49th Fighter Training Squadron]] (49 FTS)
*[[50th Flying Training Squadron]] (50 FTS)
: [[50th Flying Training Squadron]] (50 FTS)
*14th Operations Support Squadron (14 OSS)
: 14th Operations Support Squadron (14 OSS)
: 14th Student Squadron (14 STUS)


* '''14th Mission Support Group (14 MSG)'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=14th Mission Support Group |url=https://www.columbus.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/353237/14th-mission-support-group/ |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=Columbus Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref>
'''14th Mission Support Group (14 MSG)'''
*14th Civil Engineering Squadron (14 CES)
: 14th Civil Engineering Squadron (14 CES)
*14th Communications Squadron (14 CS)
: 14th Communications Squadron (14 CS)
*14th Contracting Squadron (14 CONS)
: 14th Contracting Squadron (14 CONS)
*14th Logistics Readiness Squadron (14 LRS)
: 14th Force Support Squadron (14 FSS)
*14th Security Forces Squadron (14 SFS)
: 14th Logistics Readiness Squadron (14 LRS)
*14th Mission Support Squadron (14 MSS)
: 14th Security Forces Squadron (14 SFS)


* '''14th Medical Group (14 MDG)'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=14th Medical Group - Columbus Air Force Base > About Us |url=https://columbus.tricare.mil/About-Us |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=columbus.tricare.mil}}</ref>
'''14th Medical Group (14 MDG)'''
: 14th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (14 OMRS)
: 14th Healthcare Operations Support Squadron (14 HCOSS)


Additionally, the 14th Comptroller Squadron (14 CPTS) reports directly to the 14 TFW.
Additionally, the 14th Comptroller Squadron (14 CPTS) reports directly to the wing.


==History==
==Lineage==
* Established as the '''14th Fighter Wing''' on 29 July 1947
===Lineage===
: Organized on 15 August 1947
* Established as '''14 Fighter Wing''' on 29 Jul 1947
: Organized on 15 Aug 1947
: Inactivated on 2 October 1949
* Redesignated '''14th Air Commando Wing''' and activated on 28 February 1966 (not organized)
: Inactivated on 2 Oct 1949
: Organized on 8 March 1966
* Redesignated '''14 Air Commando Wing''', and activated, on 28 Feb 1966
: Redesignated '''14th Special Operations Wing''' on 1 August 1968
: Organized on 8 Mar 1966
: Inactivated on 30 September 1971
: Redesignated '''14 Special Operations Wing''' on 1 Aug 1968
* Redesignated '''14th Flying Training Wing''' on 22 March 1972
: Inactivated on 30 Sep 1971
: Activated on 1 June 1972<ref name=14FTWfacts/>
* Redesignated '''14 Flying Training Wing''' on 22 Mar 1972
: Activated on 1 Jun 1972


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
* [[First Air Force]], 15 Aug 1947-2 Oct 1949
* [[First Air Force]], 15 August 19472 October 1949
* [[Pacific Air Forces]], 28 Feb 1966
* [[Pacific Air Forces]], 28 February 1966
* [[2d Air Division]], 8 Mar 1966
* [[2d Air Division]], 8 March 1966
* [[Seventh Air Force]], 1 Apr 1966-30 Sep 1971
* [[Seventh Air Force]], 1 April 196630 September 1971
* [[Air Training Command|Air Training (later, Air Education and Training) Command]], 1 Jun 1972
* [[Air Training Command|Air Training (later, Air Education and Training) Command]], 1 June 1972
* [[Nineteenth Air Force]], 1 Jul 1993–Present
* [[Nineteenth Air Force]], 1 July 1993 – present<ref name=14FTWfacts/>


===Components===
===Components===
'''Group'''
'''Group'''
* [[14th Operations Group|14th Fighter (later, 14th Operations)]]: 15 August 1947 – 2 October 1949; 15 December 1991 – present<ref name=14FTWfacts/>


* [[14th Operations Group|14 Fighter (later, 14 Operations)]]: 15 Aug 1947-2 Oct 1949; 15 Dec 1991–Present
'''Squadrons'''
'''Squadrons'''
* 1st Air Commando: 8 March 1966 – 20 December 1967

* 1 Air Commando: 8 Mar 1966-20 Dec 1967
* 3d Air Commando (later, 3d Special Operations): 1 May 1968 15 September 1969
* 3 Air Commando (later, 3 Special Operations): 1 May 1968-15 Sep 1969
* 4th Air Commando (later, 4th Special Operations): 8 March 1966 – 15 December 1969
* 4 Air Commando (later, 4 Special Operations): 8 Mar 1966-15 Dec 1969
* 5th Air Commando (later, 5th Special Operations): 8 March 196615 October 1969
* 5 Air Commando (later, 5 Special Operations): 8 Mar 1966-15 Oct 1969
* 6th Air Commando: 29 February 15 July 1968
* 6 Air Commando: 29 Feb-15 Jul 1968
* 9th Air Commando (later, 9th Special Operations): 25 January 1967 – 30 September 1971
* 9 Air Commando (later, 9 Special Operations): 25 Jan 1967-30 Sep 1971
* 14th Air Commando: 25 October 1967 – 1 May 1968
* 14 Air Commando: 25 Oct 1967-1 May 1968
* 15th Air Commando (later, 15th Special Operations): 15 March 1968 – 31 October 1970
* 15 Air Commando (later, 15 Special Operations): 15 Mar 1968-31 Oct 1970
* 17th Special Operations: 1 June 1969 30 September 1971
* 17 Special Operations: 1 Jun 1969-30 Sep 1971
* 18th Special Operations: 1 October 1969 – 25 August 1971
* 18 Special Operations: 1 Oct 1969-25 Aug 1971
* 20th Air Commando (later, 20th Special Operations): 8 March 1966 – 1 September 1971
* 37th Flying Training: 1 June 1972 – 15 December 1991
* 20 Air Commando (later, 20 Special Operations): 8 Mar 1966-1 Sep 1971
* 37 Flying Training: 1 Jun 1972-15 Dec 1991
* 42d Flying Training: 25 June 1990 – 15 December 1991
* 42 Flying Training: 25 Jun 1990-15 Dec 1991
* 43d Flying Training: 25 June 199015 December 1991
* 43 Flying Training: 25 Jun 1990-15 Dec 1991
* 49th Flying Training: 25 June 199015 December 1991
* 49 Flying Training: 25 Jun 1990-15 Dec 1991
* 50th Flying Training: 1 June 1972 – 15 December 1991
* 71st Special Operations: 20 December 1968 – 10 June 1969
* 50 Flying Training: 1 Jun 1972-15 Dec 1991
* 71 Special Operations: 20 Dec 1968-10 Jun 1969
* 90th Special Operations: 31 October 1970 1 September 1971
* 602d Air Commando: 8 March 1966 – 8 April 1967
* 90 Special Operations: 31 Oct 1970-1 Sep 1971
* 602 Air Commando: 8 Mar 1966-8 Apr 1967
* 604th Air Commando (later, 604th Special Operations): 15 November 1967 – 1 March 1970 (detached)
* 3588th Flying Training: 1 October 1990 – 18 October 1991<ref name=14FTWfacts/>
* 604 Air Commando (later, 604 Special Operations): 15 Nov 1967- 1 Mar 1970 (detached)
* 3588 Flying Training: 1 Oct 1990-18 Oct 1991


===Stations===
===Stations===
* [[Dow AFB|Dow Field (later, AFB)]], [[Maine]], 15 Aug 1947-2 Oct 1949
* [[Dow Field]] (later Dow Air Force Base), Maine, 15 August 19472 October 1949
* [[Nha Trang AB]], [[South Vietnam]], 8 Mar 1966
* Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam, 8 March 1966
* [[Phan Rang AB]], [[South Vietnam]], 15 Oct 1969-30 Sep 1971
* Phan Rang Air Base, South Vietnam, 15 October 196930 September 1971
* [[Columbus AFB]], [[Mississippi]], 1 Jun 1972–Present
* [[Columbus Air Force Base]], Mississippi, 1 June 1972 – present<ref name=14FTWfacts/>


===Aircraft operated===
===Aircraft===
{{col-begin}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
{{Col-break}}
*[[F-84 Thunderjet]] (1947–1949)
*[[F-84 Thunderjet]] (1947–1949)
*[[A-1 Skyraider]] (1966–1968)
*[[A-1 Skyraider]] (1966–1968)
Line 127: Line 153:
*[[O-2 Skymaster]] (1967–1971)
*[[O-2 Skymaster]] (1967–1971)
*[[UH-1 Iroquois]] (1967–1971)
*[[UH-1 Iroquois]] (1967–1971)
*[[Lockheed MC-130|C-130E(I) Combat Talon]]<ref>1968-1971 designation. Combat Talons prior to their MC- designation in 1977 are now referred to as "UWC-130E", for "Unconventional Warfare".</ref> (1968–1971)
*[[Lockheed MC-130|C-130E(I) Combat Talon]]<ref>1968–1971 designation. Combat Talons prior to their MC- designation in 1977 are now referred to as "UWC-130E", for "Unconventional Warfare".</ref> (1968–1971)
{{col-break}}
{{Col-break}}
*[[C-123 Provider]] (1968–1971)
*[[C-123 Provider]] (1968–1971)
*[[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130 Spectre]] (1968)
*[[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130 Spectre]] (1968)
*[[Fairchild AC-119|AC-119 Shadow]] (1968–1971)
*[[Fairchild AC-119|AC-119G Shadow /AC-119K Stinger]] (1968–1971)
*[[T-41 Mescalero]] (1972–1973)
*[[T-41 Mescalero]] (1972–1973)
*[[Cessna T-37|T-37]] (1972–2008)
*[[Cessna T-37 Tweet|T-37]] (1972–2008)
*[[T-38 Talon]] (1972–Present)
*[[T-38 Talon]] (1972–present)
*AT-38 Talon (1993–2000 and 2007–present)
*AT-38 Talon (1993–2000 and 2007–present)
*[[T-1 Jayhawk]] (1996–Present)
*[[T-1 Jayhawk]] (1996–present)
*[[T-6 Texan II]] (2006–Present)
*[[T-6 Texan II]] (2006–present)
{{col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


==References==
=== Operational History ===
===Notes===
[[Image:Ac-119g-53-3178-17sos-nhatrang-1969.jpg|thumb|Fairchild AC-119G "Shadow" gunship Serial 53-3178 17th Special Operations Squadron - 1969. Sold to South Vietnamese Air Force in 1971.]]
; Explanatory notes
[[File:AC-47D 4SOS NhaTrang Mar69.jpg|thumb|Douglas AC-47B-30-DK "Spooky" gunship Serial 44-76625 of the 4th Special Operations Squadron- March 1969]]
{{Reflist|group=note}}

The 14th Fighter Wing was established on 29 Jul 1947. It provided air defense for the northeastern United States, 1947-1949.

The unit was redesignated as the '''14th Air Commando Wing''' and was reactivated at [[Nha Trang AB]] [[Republic of Vietnam]] on March 8, 1966. On August 1, 1968 it was renamed the '''14th Special Operations Wing''' and was the host unit at the base until September 30, 1971. From October 15, 1969 through September 30, 1971 the 14th SOW also operated and conducted missions from [[Phan Rang Air Base]] Republic of Vietnam

Operations included [[Close air support|close]] and direct air support, interdiction, combat [[airlift]], aerial resupply, visual and photographic reconnaissance, [[unconventional warfare]], [[counterinsurgency]] operations, [[psychological warfare]] (including leaflet dropping and aerial [[broadcasting]]), [[forward air control]] operations and escort, [[search and rescue]], escort for convoy and [[defoliation]] operations, [[Flare (pyrotechnic)|flare]] drops, civic actions, and [[Humanitarian aid|humanitarian]] actions.


; Citations
The 14th Air Commando Wing distinguished itself by extraordinary heroism, exceptional gallantry and outstanding performance of duty in action against hostile forces in Southeast Asia from March 8, 1966 to March 7, 1967, earning a [[Presidential Unit Citation]]. Flying thousands of widely diversified sorties, elements of the Wing caused many enemy casualties and destroyed or damaged more than 8,500 structures, 500 trucks and 60 fuel sites as well as numerous automatic weapon positions, radio stations, bridges and boats.
{{Reflist|30em}}


Flying the venerable [[C-47]] aircraft, one squadron of the Wing helped abort a large number of night hostile operations against friendly forts and hamlets through flare drops and minigun saturation fire. Despite the often heavy and accurate enemy antiaircraft fire, the search and rescue missions of the Wing recovered 91 skilled airmen during this period. In addition, the Wing's psychological warfare missions directly or indirectly influenced the surrender of thousands of enemy soldiers.

The wing also provided maintenance support for a number of tenants. The wing trained [[Vietnam Air Force]] (VNAF) personnel in AC-119 operations and maintenance, February–August 1971, and transferred some of its A[[C-119]]s to the VNAF, August–September 1971 as part of a phase-down for inactivation.

====Air Training/Air Education and Training Command====
The 14th replaced, and absorbed resources of, the 3650th Pilot Training Wing in June 1972 at [[Columbus Air Force Base]], [[Mississippi]], and assumed an undergraduate pilot training program, plus base operations and maintenance.

== References ==
{{AFHRA}}
===Notes===
{{reflist}}
===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
{{refbegin}}
* Endicott, Judy G. ''Active Air Force wings as of 1 October 1995''; ''USAF active flying, space, and missile squadrons as of 1 October 1995''. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History, 1999. CD-ROM.
* {{cite book|last=Endicott|first=Judy G.|title=Active Air Force Wings as of 1 October 1995 and USAF Active Flying, Space, and Missile Squadrons as of 1 October 1995|url= http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/virtual_disk_library/index.cgi/4908883/FID1533/wings_cd.pdf |access-date=2 July 2014|year=1998 |series= Air Force History and Museums Program|publisher= Office of Air Force History|location= Washington, DC |asin= B000113MB2}}
* Lambert, John W. ''The 14th Fighter Group in World War II''. Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 2008. ISBN 978-0-7643-2921-0.
* Lambert, John W. ''The 14th Fighter Group in World War II''. Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 2008. {{ISBN|978-0-7643-2921-0}}.
* Martin, Patrick. ''Tail Code: The Complete History of USAF Tactical Aircraft Tail Code Markings''. Schiffer Military Aviation History, 1994. ISBN 0-88740-513-4.
* Martin, Patrick. ''Tail Code: The Complete History of USAF Tactical Aircraft Tail Code Markings''. Schiffer Military Aviation History, 1994. {{ISBN|0-88740-513-4}}.
* Maurer, Maurer. ''Air Force Combat Units Of World War II''. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History, 1983. ISBN 0-89201-092-4.
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|orig-year= 1961|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf |edition=reprint|year=1983|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-02-1|lccn=61060979}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|orig-year=1969|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Dec/02/2001329899/-1/-1/0/AFD-101202-002.pdf|edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402}}
* Ravenstein, Charles A. ''Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947–1977''. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History, 1984. ISBN 0-91279-912-9.
* {{cite book|last=Ravenstein|first=Charles A.|title=Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977|url=https://archive.org/details/airforcecombatwi0000rave|year=1984|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-12-9|url-access=registration}}
{{refend}}


== External links ==
==External links==
{{portal|United States Air Force|Seal of the US Air Force.svg}}
{{portalpar|Military of the United States|Flag of the United States.svg|65}}
* [http://www.columbus.af.mil/ Columbus AFB Home Page]
* [http://www.columbus.af.mil/ Columbus AFB Home Page]
* [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers--1908 to present]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040207231202/http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers—1908 to present]


{{USAF Air Education and Training Command}}
{{USAF Air Education and Training Command}}
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{{USAF Vietnam War}}
{{USAF Vietnam War}}


[[Category:Groups of the United States Army Air Force]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force in the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:Wings of the United States Air Force|0014]]
[[Category:Training wings of the United States Air Force|0014]]
[[Category:Military in Mississippi]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1972]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Mississippi]]

[[fr:14th Flying Training Wing]]

Revision as of 19:22, 15 April 2024

14th Flying Training Wing
Northrop T-38C formation from the 50th Flying Training Squadron[note 1]
Active1947–1949; 1966–1971; 1972–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleUndergraduate Pilot Training (UPT)
Part ofAir Education and Training Command
Garrison/HQColumbus Air Force Base
Nickname(s)Team Blaze
Motto(s)"Cultivate Airman, Create Pilots and Connect"
EngagementsVietnam War
DecorationsPresidential Unit Citation (United States)
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Commanders
Current
commander
Col. Justin T. Grieve
Deputy CommanderCol. Jonathan Cato
Command ChiefCMSgt Todd R. Rosenzweig
Notable
commanders
Robert H. Foglesong
Insignia
14th Flying Training Wing emblem (approved 19 June 1967, restored 21 December 2007)[1]
14th Flying Training Wing (approved 16 September 1994)[1]

The 14th Flying Training Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force based out of Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.

The 14th Operations Group and its six squadrons are responsible for the 52-week Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) mission. The group also performs quality assurance for contract aircraft maintenance.

The 14th Mission Support Group provides essential services with a 5-squadron/2-division, 750+ person work force and $38 million budget. It operates/maintains facilities and infrastructure for a 6,013-acre (24.33 km2) pilot training base and provides contracting, law enforcement, supply, transportation, fire protection, communications, education, recreation and personnel management for 9,500 people. The group is also responsible for wartime preparedness and contingency operations.

History

Air Defense

The 14th Fighter Wing was established on 29 July 1947. It provided air defense for the northeastern United States, 1947–1949.[1]

Vietnam War

Fairchild AC-119G "Shadow" gunship Serial 53-3178 17th Special Operations Squadron – 1969. Transferred to Republic of Vietnam Air Force in 1971.
Douglas AC-47B-30-DK "Spooky" gunship Serial 44-76625 of the 4th Special Operations Squadron- March 1969

The unit was redesignated as the 14th Air Commando Wing and was reactivated at Nha Trang Air Base Republic of Vietnam on 8 March 1966. On 1 August 1968 it was renamed the 14th Special Operations Wing and was the host unit at the base until 30 September 1971. From 15 October 1969 through 30 September 1971 the 14th SOW also operated and conducted missions from Phan Rang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam.[1]

Operations included close and direct air support, interdiction, combat airlift, aerial resupply, visual and photographic reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency operations, psychological warfare (including leaflet dropping and aerial broadcasting), forward air control operations and escort, search and rescue, escort for convoy and defoliation operations, flare drops, civic actions, and humanitarian actions.[1]

The 14th Air Commando Wing distinguished itself by extraordinary heroism, exceptional gallantry and outstanding performance of duty in action against hostile forces in Southeast Asia from 8 March 1966 to 7 March 1967, earning a Presidential Unit Citation. Flying thousands of different sorties, elements of the Wing caused many enemy casualties and destroyed or damaged more than 8,500 structures, 500 trucks and 60 fuel sites as well as numerous automatic weapon positions, radio stations, bridges and boats.

Flying the venerable Douglas C-47 aircraft, one squadron of the Wing helped abort a large number of night hostile operations against friendly forts and hamlets through flare drops and minigun saturation fire. Despite the often heavy and accurate enemy antiaircraft fire, the search and rescue missions of the Wing recovered 91 skilled airmen during this period. In addition, the Wing's psychological warfare missions directly or indirectly influenced the surrender of thousands of enemy soldiers.

The wing also provided maintenance support for a number of tenants. The wing trained Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) personnel in AC-119 operations and maintenance, February–August 1971, and transferred some of its AC-119s to the RVNAF, August–September 1971 as part of a phase-down for inactivation.[1]

Flying training at Columbus

The 14th replaced, and absorbed resources of, the 3650th Pilot Training Wing in June 1972 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, and assumed an undergraduate pilot training program, plus base operations and maintenance.[1]

Units

The 14th Flying Training Wing is currently made up of:

37th Flying Training Squadron (37 FTS)
41st Flying Training Squadron (41 FTS)
48th Flying Training Squadron (48 FTS)
49th Fighter Training Squadron (49 FTS)
50th Flying Training Squadron (50 FTS)
14th Operations Support Squadron (14 OSS)
14th Student Squadron (14 STUS)
  • 14th Mission Support Group (14 MSG)[3]
14th Civil Engineering Squadron (14 CES)
14th Communications Squadron (14 CS)
14th Contracting Squadron (14 CONS)
14th Force Support Squadron (14 FSS)
14th Logistics Readiness Squadron (14 LRS)
14th Security Forces Squadron (14 SFS)
  • 14th Medical Group (14 MDG)[4]
14th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (14 OMRS)
14th Healthcare Operations Support Squadron (14 HCOSS)

Additionally, the 14th Comptroller Squadron (14 CPTS) reports directly to the wing.

Lineage

  • Established as the 14th Fighter Wing on 29 July 1947
Organized on 15 August 1947
Inactivated on 2 October 1949
  • Redesignated 14th Air Commando Wing and activated on 28 February 1966 (not organized)
Organized on 8 March 1966
Redesignated 14th Special Operations Wing on 1 August 1968
Inactivated on 30 September 1971
  • Redesignated 14th Flying Training Wing on 22 March 1972
Activated on 1 June 1972[1]

Assignments

Components

Group

Squadrons

  • 1st Air Commando: 8 March 1966 – 20 December 1967
  • 3d Air Commando (later, 3d Special Operations): 1 May 1968 – 15 September 1969
  • 4th Air Commando (later, 4th Special Operations): 8 March 1966 – 15 December 1969
  • 5th Air Commando (later, 5th Special Operations): 8 March 1966 – 15 October 1969
  • 6th Air Commando: 29 February – 15 July 1968
  • 9th Air Commando (later, 9th Special Operations): 25 January 1967 – 30 September 1971
  • 14th Air Commando: 25 October 1967 – 1 May 1968
  • 15th Air Commando (later, 15th Special Operations): 15 March 1968 – 31 October 1970
  • 17th Special Operations: 1 June 1969 – 30 September 1971
  • 18th Special Operations: 1 October 1969 – 25 August 1971
  • 20th Air Commando (later, 20th Special Operations): 8 March 1966 – 1 September 1971
  • 37th Flying Training: 1 June 1972 – 15 December 1991
  • 42d Flying Training: 25 June 1990 – 15 December 1991
  • 43d Flying Training: 25 June 1990 – 15 December 1991
  • 49th Flying Training: 25 June 1990 – 15 December 1991
  • 50th Flying Training: 1 June 1972 – 15 December 1991
  • 71st Special Operations: 20 December 1968 – 10 June 1969
  • 90th Special Operations: 31 October 1970 – 1 September 1971
  • 602d Air Commando: 8 March 1966 – 8 April 1967
  • 604th Air Commando (later, 604th Special Operations): 15 November 1967 – 1 March 1970 (detached)
  • 3588th Flying Training: 1 October 1990 – 18 October 1991[1]

Stations

  • Dow Field (later Dow Air Force Base), Maine, 15 August 1947 – 2 October 1949
  • Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam, 8 March 1966
  • Phan Rang Air Base, South Vietnam, 15 October 1969 – 30 September 1971
  • Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, 1 June 1972 – present[1]

Aircraft

References

Notes

Explanatory notes
  1. ^ Northrop T-38C Talons serials 66-4327, 68–8162 and 68-8187 are identifiable.
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Robertson, Patsy (23 August 2011). "Factsheet 14 Flying Training Wing (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
  2. ^ "14th Operations Group". Columbus Air Force Base. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  3. ^ "14th Mission Support Group". Columbus Air Force Base. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  4. ^ "14th Medical Group - Columbus Air Force Base > About Us". columbus.tricare.mil. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  5. ^ 1968–1971 designation. Combat Talons prior to their MC- designation in 1977 are now referred to as "UWC-130E", for "Unconventional Warfare".

Bibliography

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency