JOINT-BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas – Lt. Col. Kristen Kent assumed command of the 39th Flying Training Squadron here today during ceremonies officiated by Col. Allen Duckworth, 340th Flying Training Group commander.
Prior to accepting command, Kent was the squadron assistant director of operations.
A 1996 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, she transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 2005. A command pilot with more than 2,000 hours in the F-15C/D, T-38A and T-38C, the colonel has earned various honors, including USAFA distinguished graduate, ENJJPT academic excellence award, squadron officer school outstanding graduate and the highest academic distinction earned in pursuit of the Air Command and Staff College Distance Learning Masters in Military Operational Arts/Science. Her medals and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with eight oak leaf clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal with one service star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and more.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Cobras at Cobra 1,” Kent said. “The members of the 39th FTS continue to be a core part of making the next generation of instructors and students that will go on to train and fight in the Air Force. I am honored to represent the amazing men and women of the Cobra family.”
Relinquishing command was Lt. Col. Kyle Goldstein, who assumed command in May 2016. Goldstein has accepted a total force integration opportunity with the 12th Flying Training Wing here.
The 39th FTS is one of six flying training squadrons under the 340th FTG. The squadron trains and provides experienced pilots to augment Air Education and Training Command’s instructor pilot force. The 39th FTS is comprised of 93 instructor pilots flying more than 6,039 training sorties in the T-38, T-6, and T-1 aircraft.