NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The 479th Flying Training Group (FTG) is at the forefront of history as it starts divesting the T-1A Jayhawk from its training inventory. On February 12, 2025, the first T-1A departed Naval Air Station Pensacola, with the final aircraft set to leave in July. The group is hosting a celebratory farewell on June 6, 2025, marking the end of a distinguished era of training.
For 15 years, the T-1A Jayhawk has played a vital role in shaping aviators for the fighter, bomber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and special operations forces communities. As the Air Force continues to modernize, this transition reflects an ongoing commitment to leveraging innovative training methods that enhance efficiency and readiness for the future fight.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we begin to divest the T-1A from the 479 FTG inventory,” said Colonel Shane P. Muscato, 479th FTG Commander. “As we bid farewell to the first jet departing NAS Pensacola, I want to recognize the men and women who have supported the mission of the Jayhawk here for the past 15 years.”
The T-1A has been the cornerstone of the advanced phases of training. This transition paves the way for the 479th FTG to generate aviators to meet the needs of the Air Force’s future force design through resident experience and innovation.
This is not the first time the 479 FTG has adapted to major shifts in Air Force training. Nearly two decades ago, the transition of Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) from Randolph Air Force Base to NAS Pensacola marked a pivotal moment in aircrew development. That transition in 2010, ensured the continued evolution of navigator and CSO training, establishing NAS Pensacola as the premier training location. Just as that change reshaped the future of aircrew instruction, the divestment of the T-1A signifies another landmark evolution in Air Force education and operational preparedness.
The group’s advanced training mission will continue without interruption, with students transitioning from the T-6A Texan II to the T-96 simulator, which will fully replace the T-1A in the training pipeline. The move reflects broader Air Force initiative to incorporate advanced simulation technology, which reduces costs, increases training flexibility, and eliminates delays caused by weather.
“The 479th FTG remains committed to excellence as we adapt and evolve to meet the demands of our ever-changing security environment and producing competent Combat Systems Officers for our Air Force,” said Muscato.
Though the T-1A will no longer be a part of the advanced phase of UCT, the training mission at NAS Pensacola remains steadfast.