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562nd Flying Training Squadron [562nd FTS]

The 562nd Flying Training Squadron was activated on 14 May 1993 as part of Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training's move to Randolph AFB and the 12th Flying Training Wing.

The mission of the 562nd Flying Training Squadron is to conduct Joint Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training for Naval Flight Officers and Air Force Navigators.

Moreover, the 562nd is tasked with:

• Providing flying, academic, simulator, and officership training in support of Joint Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training (JSUNT), leading to the aeronautical rating of Navigator or Naval Flight Officer (NFO) for DOD and select international students.
• Providing T-43 pilots and Instructor Navigators (IN) with initial, upgrade, and instructor training.
• Operating a quality, mission-ready fleet of 10 aircraft and 6 simulator complexes.

Originally activated at Gowen Field, Idaho, on 24 December 1942, the 562nd moved to Wendover Field, Utah, on 5 February 1943, to commence training in B-17 aircraft. The 562nd participated in approximately 300 combat missions in the European Theater of Operations from 17 July 1943 until its last World War II mission flown to the Landsberg Aerodrome near Munich, on 21 April 1945. During the summer of 1945, the 562nd airlifted food to starving people of the Netherlands.

From August 1945 until 1980, the squadron saw several periods of activation and deactivation. During this period, the 562nd flew AT-6, AT-11, C-46, C-47, B-26, F-86, F-100, and F-105 aircraft at various bases. During 1965, while at McConnell AFB, Kansas, the 562nd deployed to Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, where it participated in five months of sustained combat operations in the Vietnam campaign.

From 31 October 1974 to 30 June 1992, the 562nd was stationed at George AFB, California to fly the F-105 and then the F-4G "Wild Weasel" aircraft, participating in Operation Desert Storm.

Squadron decorations include two Distinguished Unit Citations, one Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device, three Outstanding Unit Awards, and eight campaign streamers.