435th Fighter Training Squadron


The 435th Fighter Training Squadron is part of the 12th Flying Training Wing based at Randolph [Air Force Base], Texas. It operates Northrop AT-38 Talon aircraft conducting flight training.

Mission

The 435 FTS conducts initial instructor and student flying training for over 130 U.S. Air Force and international pilots and Weapon System Operators annually in Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals. The squadron develops students' proficiency, confidence, discipline, judgment, and situational awareness of basic fighter employment. Additionally, the squadron deploys to support fighter syllabus/operational training requirements for Dissimilar Air Combat Training.

History

World War II

The 435th flew air defense prior to overseas duty then flew combat in the European Theater of Operations from, 26 May 1944 – 25 April 1945.

Vietnam War

A detachment operated under the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing detachment at Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, 5 Jun-c. 23 July 1966 It conducted air defense in Southeast Asia from, 12 October-20 December 1965 and combat sorties from, July 1966-15 August 1973.

Training

The squadron trained fighter pilots and weapon systems officers between January 1977 and February 1991. It conducted training for Taiwan Air Force pilots from, May 1993-c. 31 December 1995 and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training for international students from, 1998–2004.

Lineage

  • Constituted as the 435th Fighter Squadron on 12 October 1943
  • Redesignated 435th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 15 October 1952
  • Redesignated 435th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron on 22 October 1976
  • Redesignated 435th Fighter Squadron on 1 May 1993
  • Redesignated 435th Flying Training Squadron on 2 April 1998
  • Redesignated 435th Fighter Training Squadron on 19 May 2003

Assignments

Stations

Aircraft