48th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
| 48th Flying Training Squadron | |
|---|---|
48th Flying Training Squadron Beech Raytheon T-1A Jayhawk 94-0138
|
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| Active | 1917-Present |
| Country |
 United States
|
| Branch |
 United States Air Force
|
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Flying Training |
| Part of | 14th Operations Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi |
| Nickname(s) | Alley Cats |
| Engagements |
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| Decorations |
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| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lt. Col. Charles Gilliam |
| Insignia | |
| Emblem of the 48th Flying Training Squadron |  |
The 48th Flying Training Squadron (48 FTS) is part of the 14th Flying Training Wing based at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. It operates T-1 Jayhawk aircraft conducting flight training. The squadron is one of the oldest in the Air Force, being formed during World War I as the 48th Aero Squadron on 4 August 1917.
Currently the squadron specializes in the tanker and airlift track of specialized undergraduate pilot training. Students receive at least 159 hours of flight instruction in the T-1 Jayhawk where they learn air refueling procedures, tactical navigation, airdrop, and advanced navigation. Upon completion of this phase, students earn the aeronautical rating of pilot and receive their Air Force wings.
The squadrons origins date to 4 August 1917 with the formation of the 48th Provisional Squadron at Kelly Field, Texas. It was organized into the first Aero Construction squadron designated for deployment to the American Expeditionary Forces in France. After basic training at Kelly Field, the squadron was sent to the Aviation Concentration Center, Garden City, New York in mid-September 1917 for subsequent movement to France. It embarked on the Cunard Liner "Pannonia", suffering a stormy and unpleasant voyage across the Atlantic. It arrived at Liverpool, England on 29 October. After a few days in England, the squadron arrived at Rest Camp #2, Le Harve, France on 1 November.
The first meaningful work of the squadron was at the 3d Air Instructional Center, Issoudun Aerodrome in Central France. It arrived on 3 November to help construct barracks and shops from lumber. It also erected hangars and did the necessary construction work to bring the airfield into an operational school for training Pursuit (Fighter) pilots. It also began work on six airfields to support the training school, building roads, putting up hangars, and installing water and electrical systems. A detachment of the squadron was sent to the 2d Air Instructional Center, Tours Aerodrome. In doing this work, the squadron got the reputation of being one of the best, and fastest, all around construction squadrons in the AEF.
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Wikipedia