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86th Flying Training Squadron [86th FTS]

The 86th Flying Training Squadron, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, conducts the T-1A flying training portion of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT).

The 86th FTS traces its lineage to the 86th Bombardment Squadron, Light which was desginated on 20 November 1940, activated on 15 January 1941 and stationed at McChord Field, Washington. Its mission was mainly anti-submarine patrols with the B-18 its primary aircraft. In the six years that hallowed, the 86th traveled to all parts of the world earning a proud history. The mission was expanded to include training personnel for overseas duty and combat operations.

In 1942, the 86th started its journey through various parts of Europe and North Africa. It was stationed in approximately 20 different locations including French-Morocco (1942), Conrobert, Algeria (1943), and Salon, France (1944). The 86th supported combat operations with the DB-7, A-20, and A-26 aircraft. The 86th Bombardment Squadron received numerous campaign streamers and the Distinguished Unit Citation in 1943 and 1945.

The 86th returned to the United States in 1945 to begin training in support of a new mission of night tactical operations. Stationed at Briggs Fields, TX, in 1946, and then Barksdale AFB, LA, in 1948, the 86th was redesigned the 86th Bombardment Squadron, Light, Jet, flying the A-26 and then B-45 aircraft. With the slowdown of military operations, the 86th was deactivated in October 1949.

On 23 March 1954, the 86th Bombardment Squadron, Light, jet was reactivated. It was stationed at Sculthorpe RAF Station and Alconbury RAF station, England, flying the B-45 and B-66 aircraft. On 1 October 1955, the 86th was redesigned as the 86th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical. The 86th remained in England, maintaining proficiency in a variety of tactical operations and was awarded the Air Force Unit Citation for operations from July 1958 to June 1960. On 22 June 1962, the 86th distinguished itself by acquiring eleven campaign streamers and three Distinguished Unit Citations.

On March 22, 1972, the squadron was redesignated the 86th Flying Training Squadron replacing the 3646th Pilot Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB. Since 1972, the 86th has been an active squadron training student pilots. From 1976 to 1979, the squadron trained Strategic Air Command Co-pilots in the ACE program. The squadron was deactivated in September 1992. During its twenty years as a pilot training squadron, the 86th Flying Training Squadron earned five Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards.

On 17 February 1994, the 86th Flying Training Squadron was reactivated at Laughlin AFB. The training mission continues utilizing the T-1A Jay Hawk as part ofSpecialized Undergraduate Pilot Trainingairlift-tanker-bomber track.