71st Flying Training Wing
The 71st Flying Training Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Air Education and Training Command. Stationed as the host unit of Vance Air Force Base, it has conducted pilot training for the U.S. Air Force and allied nations since 1972.
| 71st Flying Training Wing | |
|---|---|
71st Flying Training Wing aircraft | |
| Active | 1948; 1955–1957; 1962–1971; 1972–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Pilot Training |
| Size | About 1400 military and more than 1400 civilian employees |
| Part of | Air Education and Training Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Vance Air Force Base |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Jay A. Johnson |
| Vice Commander | Colonel Matthew Astroth |
| Command Chief Master Sergeant | CMSgt Kristy L. Earls |
| Notable commanders | Lloyd W. Newton |
| Insignia | |
| 71st Flying Training Wing emblem | |
| 71st Flying Training Wing emblem | |
| Patch with 71st Surveillance Wing emblem | |
| Tail code | VN |
The wing was briefly activated as the 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Wing in 1948 but was operational for only a few weeks before being discontinued. During the Cold War, as the 71st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, it was a part of Strategic Air Command. The wing performed strategic reconnaissance and also tested a technique for launching small F-84K reconnaissance aircraft from GRB-36 bombers to extend the range of photographic reconnaissance and fighter escort. The testing ended in 1956, but the wing continued strategic reconnaissance until inactivated on 1 July 1957.
The wing was activated again in 1962 as the 71st Surveillance Wing. It operated and maintained systems to detect intercontinental ballistic missiles and sea-launched ballistic missile launches until it was inactivated in 1971. The wing was activated with its current mission a year later.