55 years of pilot training ends at Reese AFB

Released: Jan 30, 1997

REESE AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) - Jan. 24 marked the end of 55 years of pilot training at Reese Air Force Base-Lubbock Army Air Field.
The 18 members of Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 97-04 graduated as Reese's final flying training class.

Lt. Gen. John C. "Clark" Griffith, Air Education and Training Command vice commander, addressed the class and presented the AETC Commander's Trophy to the top overall graduate in each track, fighter-bomber and tanker-transport.

Reese officially locks its gates Sept. 30 after being selected for closure by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission in 1995.
The first class to complete pilot training at what was then referred to as Lubbock Army Flying School was Class 42-D. The class entered training as aviation cadets Feb. 25, 1942, and 73 graduated as new second lieutenants and Army Air Corps pilots April 29, 1942. The class members trained in the single engine AT-6 "Texan" during their time at the school.

Personnel assigned to Lubbock Army Air Field (the most popular name used to identify the base during the World War II era) and Reese have trained 436 classes of student pilots, graduating 25,349 men and women, including 614 from 40 allied nations. (Courtesy of AETC News Service)