Type Pilot Training | ||
 | ||
Active 15 October 1943 - 15 December 19451 December 1952 - 8 August 19741 January 1977 - 19 February 199112 May 1993 - 1 April 199714 May 1998 - Present Role Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Part of Air Education and Training Command19th Air Force12th Flying Training Wing12th Operations Group | ||
The 435th Fighter Training Squadron (435 FTS) is part of the 12th Flying Training Wing based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. It operates Northrop AT-38 Talon aircraft conducting flight training.
Contents
Mission
The 435 FTS conducts initial instructor and student flying training for over 130 U.S. Air Force and international pilots and Weapon System Operators annually in Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals. The squadron develops students' proficiency, confidence, discipline, judgment, and situational awareness of basic fighter employment. Additionally, the squadron deploys to support fighter syllabus/operational training requirements for Dissimilar Air Combat Training.
History
The 435th flew air defense prior to overseas duty then flew combat in the European Theater of Operations from, 26 May 1944-25 April 1945. It conducted air defense in Southeast Asia from, 12 October-20 December 1965 and combat sorties from, July 1966-15 August 1973. The squadron trained fighter pilots and weapon systems officers between January 1977 and February 1991. It conducted training for Taiwan Air Force pilots from, May 1993-c. 31 Dec 1995 and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training for international students from, 1998-2004.