372nd TRS, Det 14: learning today, leading tomorrow

Unit:                Detachment 14, 372d Training Squadron

Location:        Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska

Mission:          To train and inspire the Airman of America’s Last Frontier.

Vision:             Provide field training and training support that makes a lasting difference.

Motto:             Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

Staff:               15 Active Duty Personnel

What We Do:

                 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 14 is located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in north Anchorage, Alaska and provides formal advanced skills training to the Airman of the 3rd Wing primarily for the fifth generation F-22 Fighter.   The students of yesterday here at the 3rd Wing are rapidly becoming the leaders of tomorrow who are fully capable of providing top cover for America.

                Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Williams, a resident F-22 Egress instructor who has taught 58 students throughout the past year, shares his vision of how our students are becoming the next generation of leaders, and why our mission is essential to an Airman’s career. He states, “training is the essence of transformation,” and “today’s preparation determines tomorrow’s achievements.”

                 With over 400 students and 9,000 instructional hours taught throughout the various AFSCs here at Det 14 during the year, the transformation throughout JBER is evident, and the achievements are even more discernable.  Master Sgt. John Hughes, Det 14 Production Superintendent, says “Not only have our students provided America the capability of intercepting 192 Russian aircraft, but have also proven that they are capable of deploying worldwide at a moment’s notice to fight the war on terrorism with their expertise gained here at the detachment.”

  “I am very proud of the cadre of Det 14 as they not only impart expert advanced F-22 skills training but also mentor students at various points in their Air Force career and provide them with information that may not reach them in the day-to-day launch-recovery grind of the flight line,” said  Senior Master Sgt. Clinton Stapleton, detachment chief.

                The bottom line, as Tech Sgt. Michael Owen Aerospace Ground Equipment Instructor puts it, “Our mission is to sharpen the skillsets of the Air Force Expeditionary Warriors through specific and rigorous training programs.”