88th FTS supports fellow AETC squadron at Eglin Published Oct. 17, 2018 By Airman 1st Class Pedro Tenorio 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – In the early days of September, the 80th Flying Training Wing’s most intense fighter pilots from the 88th Fighter Training Squadron deployed to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to support a fellow Air Education Training Command unit’s training and development. Eighteen of the 88th’s battle-hardened flyboys, five of their training jets and four T-6 Texan instructor pilots from the 80th flew down as support for the 58th Fighter Squadron, which trains future pilots of the newest fifth generation fighter of the Air Force – the F-35 Lightning II. The TDY included more than 180 sorties during the two weeks there. The Airmen performed many familiarization flights as well as Red Air support, an air combat training exercise where one side would play the role of enemy air support, and on the other hand also flew as Blue Air support, acting as friendly strikers as the 58th FS escorts them. Capt. Christian Culbertson, 88th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, said if there is no dedicated squadron to assist the Red Air exercise, this is a training that does not happen too often. He said the 88th was happy to support them as it was mutually beneficial to them as the tactical training is something they can bring back to Sheppard. Culbertson said not only did the 58th FS benefit from this, but the 88th’s fighter IPs were able to get a bit of re-familiarization training for air combat and tactical maneuvers. As ENJJPT trains the pilots, the graduates must go to certain bases to specialize in the certain aircraft they are assigned. Culbertson said going on this TDY gave the 88th’s fighter IPs and the four T-6 IPs a glimpse into their student’s futures and allows them to get them ready and more prepared before even heading to the 58th or any other additional training bases.