JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Lt. Col. Georges DeWilde relinquished command of the 435th Fighter Training Squadron to Lt. Col. John Lowe during a change of command ceremony held April 3, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
The ceremony, a time-honored military tradition, marked the conclusion of DeWilde’s tenure leading the squadron known for training the Air Force’s next generation of fighter pilots and combat systems officers. Under his leadership, the 435th FTS upheld its legacy of excellence, contributing to the development of skilled aviators and mission-ready aircrew members prepared for the challenges of modern air combat.
DeWilde reflected on the camaraderie and dedication of the squadron’s Airmen. “There’s something incredibly special about the Deadly Black Eagles,” he said. “This group of fighter pilots and instructors is second to none. I’m humbled by your dedication to the mission, and I continue to be impressed by your relentless pursuit of teaching the best fighter pilots in the world.”
His successor, Lt. Col. John Lowe, brings a wealth of operational and leadership experience to the role. A seasoned pilot, Lowe has previously served in a variety of key positions, including squadron leadership and instructor roles within Air Education and Training Command.
Addressing the students of the 435th, Lowe emphasized their role in the broader mission of national defense. “Your job while you are here is to learn the art of becoming a good wingman, to learn how to support your fellow wingmen and units when you get there and start the process of becoming as lethal as possible with an airplane,” he said. “When Col. Lee says we are training warfighters for America, he is talking about you, because your lethality will be the security of this nation for as long as you wear that uniform.”
The 435th Fighter Training Squadron, part of the 12th Flying Training Wing, plays a critical role in the Air Force’s Undergraduate Pilot Training and Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training pipelines. The unit specializes in advanced jet training using the T-38C Talon, preparing students for transition to front-line fighter and bomber aircraft.