340th FTG earns seventh Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

  • Published
  • By Janis El Shabazz, 340th Flying Training Group

JOINT-BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas – The 340th Flying Training Group here earned its seventh Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, symbolizing that it is in the top 10 percent of all Air Force units.

 

The award reflects the group’s outstanding service from Oct. 1, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2016. During that period, the group headquarters and its seven squadrons trained and provided experienced instructor pilots, jumpmasters and basic military training instructors to augment the Air Education and Training Command instructor force. Additionally, unit members initiated and advocated to align reserve survivor benefits with active duty benefits, which was approved by congress for inclusion in the defense budget. Thanks to their leadership, technical skills and mentorship many group Airmen earned Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command and Air Education and Training Command recognition, as well as several collegiate championships.

 

The group was originally established in August 1942 as the 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) at Columbia Army Air Base, South Carolina. At that time, the group flew B-25s, engaging chiefly in support and interdiction missions. Throughout the years, the unit underwent various reiterations eventually being redesignated and activated under the Air Reserve Command at JBSA-Randolph, as the 340th Flying Training Group on April 1, 1988.

 

Today, the 340th is the largest flying group in the Air Force, consisting of 425 instructor pilots assigned to six squadrons at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma; JBSA-Randolph, Texas; Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas; Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; and the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado.

 

340th FTG instructors provide associate instructor pilots for the Air Education and Training Command’s Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training mission utilizing a variety of aircraft, including the T-1A Jayhawk, T-6A Texan II, T-38 Talon, T-41A Mescalero, T-51A, T-53, TG-15/TG-16 gliders, and UV-18B Twin Otter.

 

 

The group is also home to the, 433rd Training Squadron, the only unit of Reserve basic military training instructors. The 433rd has supported basic military training at JBSA-Lackland since 1983. 433rd TRS instructors serve side-by-side with active duty mission partners in the 737th Training Group to create the next generation of Airmen. The squadron also provides MTI support to Reserve Officer Training Corps and Officer Training School on a situational basis.

 

340th FTG Commander Col. Allen Duckworth commended group members for the achievement, referring to the group’s lineage of exceptional excellence spanning decades.

 

“This award is a direct reflection on everyone in the 340th FTG,” said Duckworth. “Through your hard work and dedication, we were able to accomplish our mission, support our people and take pride in our support to the Air Force and the nation. The men and women of the 340th FTG are shining examples of what it means to be a Citizen Airman.”