99th Flying Training Squadron
The 99th Flying Training Squadron (99 FTS) is a training squadron of the United States Air Force, part of the 12th Flying Training Wing (12 FTW) based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
| 99th Flying Training Squadron | |
|---|---|
Squadron T-1A Jayhawk | |
| Active | 1941–1949; 1988–1993; 1993–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Pilot Training |
| Part of | Air Education and Training Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Randolph Air Force Base |
| Engagements | North African Campaign; Operation Husky; Operation Avalanche; Italian Campaign |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. |
| Insignia | |
| 99th Flying Training Squadron emblem (approved 24 June 1944) | |
Operating Raytheon T-1A Jayhawks, the squadron prepares prospective flight instructors to teach undergraduate pilots and combat systems officers at various bases in the Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
The squadron was formed during World War II as the first flying unit for African Americans. Known as the Tuskegee Airmen, the unit served with distinction in the European Theater of Operations. After the war it served as a flight training unit until its inactivation in 1949.
It was re-activated in 1988 as a training squadron. Its planes' tails are painted red to honor the Tuskegee Airmen.