25th Flying Training Squadron explained

Unit Name:	25th Flying Training Squadron
Dates:	1943–1949; 1955–1957; 1972–present
Role:	Pilot Training
Command Structure:	Air Education and Training Command
Garrison:	Vance Air Force Base
Battles:	Southwest Pacific Theater^[1]
Decorations:	Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Identification Symbol Label:	25 Flying Training Sq emblem (modified and reinstated 31 March 1995)
Identification Symbol 2 Label:	25th Flying Training Squadron emblem (approved 2 January 1973)^[2]
Identification Symbol 3 Label:	25th Photographic Reconnaissance Sq emblem (approved 13 May 1944)^[3]

The 25th Flying Training Squadron is part of the 71st Flying Training Wing based at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. It operates Northrop T-38 Talon aircraft conducting flight training.

Overview

The squadron has provided Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) for active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and selected foreign allies since 1 November 1972.^[1]

History

The 25th flew combat reconnaissance missions in the Southwest and Western Pacific from, 5 February 1944 – 14 August 1945. It was active but not operationally manned or equipped from, November 1945 – February 1946. The squadron also conducted photographic reconnaissance in western United States between 1955 and 1957.

Lineage

• Constituted as the 25th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 5 February 1943

Redesignated 25th Photographic Squadron (Light) on 6 February 1943

Activated on 9 February 1943

Redesignated 25th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 11 August 1943

Redesignated 25th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 24 January 1946

Inactivated on 1 April 1949

• Redesignated 25th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fighter on 4 November 1954

Activated on 24 January 1955

Inactivated on 1 July 1957

• Redesignated 25th Flying Training Squadron on 14 April 1972

Activated on 1 November 1972^[1]

Assignments

• 6th Photographic Group (later 6th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group 6th Photographic Group 6th Reconnaissance Group) Group]], 9 February 1943 (attached to V Fighter Command after 10 February 1946)
• V Fighter Command, 27 April 1946
• 315th Composite Wing, 31 May 1946
• 71st Reconnaissance Group (later 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group), 28 February 1947 – 1 April 1949 (attached to 315th Composite Wing until November 1947)
• 71st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 24 January 1955 – 1 July 1957
• 71st Flying Training Wing, 1 November 1972
• 71st Operations Group, 15 December 1991 – present^[1]

Stations

• Colorado Springs Army Air Base, Colorado, 9 February – 22 October 1943
• Sydney Airport, Australia, 19 November 1943
• Archerfield Airport, Brisbane, Australia, 25 November 1943 – 19 January 1944
• Lae Airfield, New Guinea, 3 February 1944
• Nadzab Airfield Complex, New Guinea, 7 February 1944
• Mokmer Airfield, Biak, Netherlands East Indies, 23 July – 16 November 1944
• Dulag Airfield, Leyte, Philippines, 24 November 1944
• San Jose Airfield, Mindoro, Philippines, 3 January 1944

Detachment at Dulag Airfield, Leyte, Philippines, to 6 February 1945

Air echelon at Clark Field, Luzon, Philippines, 14 June – 14 July 1945

• Motobu Airfield, Okinawa, 9 July 1945
• Chofu Airfield, Japan, 27 September 1945
• Itazuke Air Base, Japan, 10 February 1946
• Itami Airfield, Japan, 30 March 1946 – 1 April 1949
• Larson Air Force Base, Washington, 24 January 1955 – 1 July 1957
• Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, 1 November 1972 – present^[1]

Aircraft

• Lockheed F-5 Lightning (1943–1945)
• North American B-25 Mitchell (1944)
• North American F-6 Mustang (1946–1949)
• Stinson L-5 Sentinel (1946)
• Beechcraft F-2 Expeditor (1947–1948)
• Republic RF-84F Thunderflash (1955–1957)
• Northrop T-38 Talon (1972–present)^[1]

References

Notes

Explanatory notes

Citations

Bibliography

• Book: Endicott, Judy G.. Active Air Force Wings as of 1 October 1995 and USAF Active Flying, Space, and Missile Squadrons as of 1 October 1995. 2 July 2014. 1998 . Air Force History and Museums Program. Office of Air Force History. Washington, DC . B000113MB2.
• Book: Maurer, Maurer. Air Force Combat Units of World War II. 1961. 17 December 2016. reprint. 1983. Office of Air Force History. Washington, DC. 0-912799-02-1. 61060979.
• Book: Maurer, Maurer. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II. 1969. reprint. 17 December 2016. 1982. Office of Air Force History. Washington, DC. 0-405-12194-6. 72556. 70605402.
• Book: Ravenstein, Charles A.. Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977. 17 December 2016. 1984. Office of Air Force History. Washington, DC. 0-912799-12-9. registration.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Factsheet 25 Flying Training Squadron (AETC). Kane. Robert B.. 16 March 2010. Air Force Historical Research Agency. live . 6 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20170615150549/http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432836/25-flying-training-squadron-aetc/ . 15 June 2017 .
2. Endicott, p. 503
3. Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 132