Col. Carey Assumes Command of the 12th FTW

Maj. Gen. James B. Hecker, 19th Air Force commander, addresses the crowd during the 12th Flying Training Wing assumption of command ceremony, June 30, 2016 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The 12th FTW is responsible for pilot instructor training, combat systems officer training, remotely piloted aircraft pilot indoctrination and basic sensor operator qualification. The wing manages all airmanship programs for U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, and introductory fIight screening for all Air Force officers scheduled to enter pilot, combat systems officer or remotely piloted aircraft training. The wing also hosts an Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Program and conducts electronic warfare training for the U.S. Air Force and multi-national forces.

Col. Carey Assumes Command of the 12th FTW

12th FTW welcomes new commander

Published June 30, 2016
12th FTW Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- A native Texan assumed command of the 12th Flying Training Wing during a ceremony in Hangar 41 at Joint Base San Antonio Randolph June 30.

Col. Joel L. Carey received the unit’s guidon from Maj. Gen. James B. Hecker, the 19th Air Force commander, on a stage while hundreds of Airmen, family members, and community leaders watched.

In his remarks, Hecker thanked family and friends for their support to Carey beginning with his childhood in Midlothian, Texas, and continuing through college at Baylor University and his subsequent 25-year career as an Air Force officer and pilot.

“You are about ready to have a family of 2,500,” Hecker said referring to the Airmen, civilians and contractors that comprise the 12th FTW in three groups and a maintenance directorate dispersed from JBSA-Randolph to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado and Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida.

Hecker lauded the accomplishments of Brig. Gen. Matthew Isler, who relinquished command following his promotion at the end of May and the interim 12th FTW commander, Col. Michael Snell, who now resumes his duties as the wing’s vice commander.

“I'm incredibly impressed with the Airmen of the 12th FTW, both uniformed and civilian, and the overwhelming support from the local community that I've seen thus far,” Carey said. “My family and I are excited about being part of this amazing team."

The 12th FTW is responsible for four single-source aviation pipelines. These pipelines include combat systems officer training, pilot instructor training, as well as remotely-piloted aircraft pilot and basic sensor operator training.

The wing manages all airmanship programs for the U.S. Air Force Academy and serves as the single screening point for all hopeful aviators to include pilots, RPA pilots and CSOs. The wing also hosts the introduction to fighter fundamentals program as well as conducts electronic warfare training for the U.S. Air Force and multi-national forces.