Jump to content

14th Flying Training Wing: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
avoid leadtooshort, 14 OG linked in second sentence, move pic down
No edit summary
 
(40 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{more footnotes|date=December 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2011}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 14th Flying Training Wing
| unit_name = 14th Flying Training Wing[[File:Air Education and Training Command.svg|center|60px]]
| image = T-38C Formation.jpg
|image=[[File:14th Flying Training Wingnewemblem.PNG|200px]]
| image_size = 290
|caption=Emblem of the 14th Flying Training Wing
| 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>
|dates= 1947–1966; 1972–present
| dates = 1947–1949; 1966–1971; 1972–present
|country=United States
| country = {{USA}}
|allegiance=
| branch = {{air force|USA}}
|branch=[[United States Air Force|Air Force]]
| type =
|type=[[Training]]
| role = Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT)
|role=
| size =
|size=
|command_structure=[[Air Education and Training Command]]
| command_structure = [[Air Education and Training Command]]
* [[Nineteenth Air Force]]
|current_commander=[http://www.columbus.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=17858 Colonel John J. Nichols]
|garrison=[[Columbus Air Force Base]]
| garrison = [[Columbus Air Force Base]]
| nickname = Team Blaze
|ceremonial_chief=
| patron =
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
| motto = "Cultivate Airman, Create Pilots and Connect"
|nickname=Blaze
| colors =
|patron=
| march =
|motto=Day and Night – Peace and War
| mascot =
|colors=
| battles = [[Vietnam War]]
|identification_symbol=
| anniversaries =
|march=
| 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]]
|mascot=
| battle_honours = <!-- Insignia -->
|battles=<center>[[File:Vietnam Service Ribbon.svg|60px]]</center>
| notable_commanders = [[Robert H. Foglesong]]
* Vietnam Service (1966–1971)
| identification_symbol = [[File:14th Flying Training Wingnewemblem.PNG|165px]]
|notable_commanders= [[Robert H. Foglesong]]
| 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>
|anniversaries=
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:14th Flying Training Wing.png|165px]]
|decorations= [[File:AF Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.png|75 px]] [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|PUC]] <br /> [[File:Air Force Meritorious Unit ribbon.svg|75 px]] [[Meritorious Unit Citation|MUA]] <br /> [[File:Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg|75 px]] [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award|AFOUA]] <br /> [[File:Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg|75 px]] [[Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross|RVGC w/ Palm]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = 14th Flying Training Wing <small>(approved 16 September 1994)</small><ref name=14FTWfacts/>
|battle_honours=
| 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 =
}}
}}
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]].
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&nbsp;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:
[[File:T-38C Formation.jpg|thumb|Northrop T-38C formation from the 50th Flying Training Squadron. 66-4327, 68–8162 and 68-8187 identifiable.]]
* '''[[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>
'''[[14th Operations Group]] (14 OG)'''
*[[37th Flying Training Squadron]] (37 FTS) [[T-6 Texan II]] "Bengal Tigers"
: [[37th Flying Training Squadron]] (37 FTS)
*[[41st Flying Training Squadron]] (41 FTS) [[T-6 Texan II]] "Flying Buzzsaws"
: [[41st Flying Training Squadron]] (41 FTS)
*[[43d Flying Training Squadron]] (43 FTS) [[T-6 Texan II]], [[T-1 Jayhawk]], and [[T-38 Talon]]
: [[48th Flying Training Squadron]] (48 FTS)
*[[48th Flying Training Squadron]] (48 FTS) [[T-1 Jayhawk]] "Alley Cats"
: [[49th Fighter Training Squadron]] (49 FTS)
*[[49th Fighter Training Squadron]] (49 FTS)[[T-38 Talon]] "Black Knights"
: [[50th Flying Training Squadron]] (50 FTS)
: 14th Operations Support Squadron (14 OSS)
*[[50th Flying Training Squadron]] (50 FTS) [[T-38 Talon]] "Strikn' Snakes
*14th Operations Support Squadron (14 OSS)
: 14th Student Squadron (14 STUS)
*14th Student Squadron (14 STUS) "Eagles"


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


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
Line 80: Line 106:
* [[Seventh Air Force]], 1 April 1966 – 30 September 1971
* [[Seventh Air Force]], 1 April 1966 – 30 September 1971
* [[Air Training Command|Air Training (later, Air Education and Training) Command]], 1 June 1972
* [[Air Training Command|Air Training (later, Air Education and Training) Command]], 1 June 1972
* [[Nineteenth Air Force]], 1 July 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|14th Fighter (later, 14th Operations)]]: 15 August 1947 – 2 October 1949; 15 December 1991–present


'''Squadrons'''
'''Squadrons'''

* 1st Air Commando: 8 March 1966 – 20 December 1967
* 1st Air Commando: 8 March 1966 – 20 December 1967
* 3d Air Commando (later, 3d Special Operations): 1 May 1968 – 15 September 1969
* 3d Air Commando (later, 3d Special Operations): 1 May 1968 – 15 September 1969
Line 109: Line 133:
* 602d Air Commando: 8 March 1966 – 8 April 1967
* 602d Air Commando: 8 March 1966 – 8 April 1967
* 604th Air Commando (later, 604th Special Operations): 15 November 1967 – 1 March 1970 (detached)
* 604th Air Commando (later, 604th Special Operations): 15 November 1967 – 1 March 1970 (detached)
* 3588th Flying Training: 1 October 1990 – 18 October 1991
* 3588th Flying Training: 1 October 1990 – 18 October 1991<ref name=14FTWfacts/>


===Stations===
===Stations===
* [[Dow AFB|Dow Field (later, AFB)]], [[Maine]], 15 August 1947 – 2 October 1949
* [[Dow Field]] (later Dow Air Force Base), Maine, 15 August 1947 – 2 October 1949
* [[Nha Trang AB]], [[South Vietnam]], 8 March 1966
* Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam, 8 March 1966
* [[Phan Rang AB]], [[South Vietnam]], 15 October 1969 – 30 September 1971
* Phan Rang Air Base, South Vietnam, 15 October 1969 – 30 September 1971
* [[Columbus AFB]], [[Mississippi]], 1 June 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}}
Line 135: Line 159:
*[[Fairchild AC-119|AC-119G Shadow /AC-119K Stinger]] (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)
Line 142: Line 166:
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


==References==
===Operational history===
===Notes===
[[File: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}}


; Citations
The 14th Fighter Wing was established on 29 July 1947. It provided air defense for the northeastern United States, 1947–1949.
{{Reflist|30em}}


===Bibliography===
The unit was redesignated as the '''14th Air Commando Wing''' and was reactivated at [[Nha Trang AB]] [[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.

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.

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 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.

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====
[[File:14th Flying Training Wing.jpg|thumb|left| 14 FTW Emblem 1994-2007]] <ref>This emblem was used from 16 September 1994 to 21 December 2007 [http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9638 AFHRA Factsheet, 14th Flying Training Wing] (accessed 22 July 2012)</ref>
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.

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* {{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}}
{{Refbegin}}
* Lambert, John W. ''The 14th Fighter Group in World War II''. Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 2008. {{ISBN|978-0-7643-2921-0}}.
* 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.
* 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}}.
* {{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}}
* 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=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}}
* {{cite book|last=Ravenstein|first=Charles A.|title=Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947-1977|url= http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/combat_wings.pdf |year=1984|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-12-9|page= }}
* {{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|Military of the United States}}
* [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}}
Line 186: Line 193:
[[Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force in the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force in the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:Training wings of the United States Air Force|0014]]
[[Category:Training wings of the United States Air Force|0014]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1972]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Mississippi]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Mississippi]]

Latest 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

[edit]

Air Defense

[edit]

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

Vietnam War

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
  • 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

[edit]

Components

[edit]

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

[edit]
  • 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

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=14th_Flying_Training_Wing&oldid=1219102588"