| Unit Name: | 8th Flying Training Squadron |
| Dates: | 1942–1951; 1972–present |
| Role: | Pilot Training |
| Command Structure: | Air Education and Training Command |
| Garrison: | Vance Air Force Base |
| Decorations: | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |
| Identification Symbol Label: | 8th Flying Training Squadron emblem[1] [2] [3] |
| Identification Symbol 2 Label: | 8th Flying Training Squadron emblem[4] [5] |
| Identification Symbol 3 Label: | 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron emblem[6] |
| Current Commander: | LtCol Deirdre Gurry[7] |
The 8th Flying Training Squadron is part of the 71st Flying Training Wing based at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. It operates the T-6A Texan II aircraft conducting flight training.
Performs Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training with T-6A Texan II trainers.
Activated in early 1942 under Fourth Air Force; after a brief organizational period in Southern California where it was equipped with reconnaissance P-38 Lightnings (F-4) it deployed to the Southwest Pacific Area, being assigned to Fifth Air Force in Australia.
Engaged in long-range tactical reconnaissance missions over New Guinea; later the Netherlands East Indies and in late 1944, over the Philippines in support of MacArthur's Island-Hopping campaign (1942–1945). After the Japanese capitulation in August 1945, became part of the Army of Occupation in Japan. It was not operational between April 1946 and July 1947.
From 1947–1949 flew photographic mapping missions over Japan, Korea, Philippines and other areas of western Pacific.[8] [9] During the Korean War, the squadron flew tactical reconnaissance sorties over North and South Korea from, 29 June 1950 – 24 February 1951.
The 8th has conducted undergraduate pilot training for active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and selected foreign allies since 1 November 1972.[2] Since the mid-1990s, the squadron has also conducted joint primary flight training for selected US Navy and US Marine Corps student naval aviators, with command of the squadron alternating between Air Force officers in the rank of lieutenant colonel and Navy officers in the ranks of commander.[2] [10] [11] [7]
Activated 1 Feb 1942
Redesignated 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 9 Jun 1942
Redesignated 8th Photographic Squadron (Light) on 6 Feb 1943
Redesignated 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 13 Nov 1943
Redesignated 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Night Photographic on 10 Aug 1948
Redesignated 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Photo-Jet on 1 Aug 1949
Inactivated on 25 Feb 1951
Redesignated 8th Flying Training Squadron on 14 Apr 1972
Activated on 1 Nov 1972[2]
Two flights remained at March Field, CA, to 16 Jun 1942
Operated from Biak after c. 11 Aug 1944
Air Echelon assigned to Clark Field, Luzon, Philippines, 19 May – 12 Aug 1945
Detachment operated from Itazuke Air Base, Japan, from 29 Jun 1950
Operated from Taegu Air Base (K-2), South Korea, 26 Jan – 25 Feb 1951