372nd Training Squadron Revolutionizes Air Force Maintenance Training

U.S. Air Force Airman Anthony Jones and Airman 1st Class Jonathon Hammonds, 372nd Training Squadron/Detachment 224 aircraft maintenance students, operate a prototype 3D-printed Flap and Stabilizer Integrated Servo-Actuator (ISA) trainer during instruction at Aviano AB, Italy, March 2026. The trainer, developed by Staff Sgt. Michael Ayan and Technical Sgt. Devin Nailing in collaboration with the Wyvern Spark innovation team, enables hands-on practice for advanced crew chief tasks while reducing aircraft usage and improving the learning environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sgt. Devin Nailing)

372nd Training Squadron Revolutionizes Air Force Maintenance Training

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Jarid McCray, 435th Intelligence Squadron, prepares to solder a turret terminal during a basic soldering techniques course on February 11, 2026, at Kadena AB, Okinawa. This practice ensures students leaving the course are competent on repairing and creating electrical equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hediger)

372nd Training Squadron Revolutionizes Air Force Maintenance Training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Charles Ryant, 372nd Training Squadron / Detachment 221 FTD Instructor, teaches U-2 Engine Removal & Installation class, January 15th, 2026, at Beale AFB, California. The U-2 remains a premier high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, capable of day/night, all-weather intelligence gathering from over 70,000 feet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Richard Gilliand)

372nd Training Squadron Revolutionizes Air Force Maintenance Training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Martin and Airman 1st Class Fabian Rodriguez, 372nd Training Squadron B-1B Propulsion students, perform the removal of the F-101’s engine turbine frame, as part of Detachment 208’s propulsion back shop course March 09, 2026, at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. This task cements foundational maintenance concepts to ensure serviceability of the engine’s low pressure turbine blades and bearings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt. Nathanial Sidles)

372nd Training Squadron Revolutionizes Air Force Maintenance Training

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Joshua Akin, 372nd Training Squadron / Detachment 202 FTD Instructor, teaches Wing Weapons Pylon operational checkout procedures using the TFE-59 trainer to Airman 1st Class Tobious Glover, 55th Fighter Generation Squadron, March 10, 2026, at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. These checks ensure the operability of the weapons systems maximizing lethality. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Charles Barkley)

372nd Training Squadron Revolutionizes Air Force Maintenance Training

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Preston Belcher, 372nd Training Squadron / Detachment 201 FTD Instructor, is featured showcasing the raw power of the F-15E Strike Eagle, and its twin F-100-PW-220 motors during a host unit engine run certification, 6 March 2026, at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina. Det 201 works closely with the 4th Maintenance Group’s Maintenance Training Section to ensure RTT crew chiefs can see the capabilities of the aircraft they’ll soon be maintaining. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tony Parker)

372nd Training Squadron Revolutionizes Air Force Maintenance Training

Published March 18, 2026

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

The U.S. Air Force’s largest training squadron, the 372nd Training Squadron, is pioneering new training methods and technologies to enhance the skills of aircraft maintainers across the globe. With 604 personnel at 29 locations across eight major commands, the squadron trained thousands of Airmen this past year, directly bolstering the readiness of the Air Force's ﬁghter and bomber ﬂeets.

The 372nd TRS, a squadron belonging to the 982nd Training Group, executes its mission through 28 geographically separated units to provide localized and responsive maintenance training on more than 20 different aircraft platforms. The squadron's global reach is exempliﬁed by its robust Mobile Training Teams (MTTs). In ﬁscal year 2025 alone, these teams mobilized for 1,046 days, conducting 155 classes and providing critical skills to 917 students worldwide. This ﬂexibility was recently highlighted when the squadron deployed an F-16 instructor to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, ﬁlling a two-year training gap and qualifying two new instructors for the region.

"The 372nd Training Squadron is at the tip of the spear when it comes to generating combat-ready maintenance professionals," said Col. Grant M. Fowler, 982nd Training Group commander. "Their innovation and dedication, leveraging technologies like virtual reality and 3D printing, ensure our warﬁghters have the best-trained maintainers in the world. We are incredibly proud of the work they do every day across the globe to ensure the readiness of our force."

At the forefront of modernization, the squadron is integrating cutting-edge technology into its curriculum. Detachments are now equipped with Extended Reality (XR) labs where maintainers can practice complex procedures in a safe, virtual environment. This initiative is complemented by local innovations, such as the development of a 3D-printed F-16 radar trainer at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and new low-observable panel trainers for the F-35 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. These advancements reduce aircraft downtime and accelerate the learning process for maintainers.

Looking toward the future, the 372nd TRS is playing a pivotal role in preparing the force for next-generation platforms. The squadron is actively developing curricula and preparing instructors for the F-15EX Eagle II and the B-21 Raider. The team has also begun the initial process of developing the training framework for the F-47, all while continuing to support the expanding F-35 ﬂeet and ensuring a seamless transition for the maintenance community.

As the Air Force continues to modernize, the 372nd Training Squadron remains committed to providing agile and cutting-edge training, ensuring that maintainers are ready for the challenges of tomorrow's ﬁght, anytime, anywhere.