This T-38 Talon, on the flightline March 17, 2011, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, has been painted with a special commemorative color scheme, giving the plane an appearance similar to its original 1961 look. (Courtesy photo/Jo Hunter)
A T-38 Talon sits on the flightline at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, March 17, 2011, during a ceremony commemorating the aircraft's 50th anniversary. (Courtesy photo/Jo Hunter)
Retired Lt. Col. Donald Wheeler (left) greets retired Col. James Gibler March 17, 2011, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Colonel Wheeler was a member of the first class of pilots to train on the T-38 Talon. He graduated in 1962. Colonel Gibler was Colonel Wheeler's T-38 instructor. The two men had not seen each other for 49 years. (Courtesy photo/Jo Hunter)
Retired Col. James Gibler (left) speaks with retired Lt. Col. Donald Wheeler March 17, 2011, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. In the background is a T-38 Talon. Colonel Wheeler was a member of the first class of pilots to train on the T-38. He graduated in 1962. Colonel Gibler was Colonel Wheeler's T-38 instructor. The two men had not seen each other for 49 years. This T-38 has been painted with a special commemorative color scheme, giving the plane an appearance similar to its original 1961 look. (Courtesy photo/Jo Hunter)
A T-38 Talon taxis March 17, 2011, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. This T-38 has been painted with a special commemorative color scheme, giving the plane an appearance similar to its original 1961 look. (Courtesy photo/Jo Hunter)
Retired Lt. Col. Donald Wheeler (left) rides in the rear seat of a T-38 Talon, as it comes to a stop March 17, 2011, on the flightline at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. This T-38 has been painted with a special commemorative color scheme, giving the plane an appearance similar to its original 1961 look. Colonel Wheeler was a member of the first class of pilots to train on the T-38. He graduated in 1962. (Courtesy photo/Jo Hunter)
Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. receives a commemorative plaque from Tony Imondi, a Northrop Grumman official, March 17, 2011, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The plaque commemorates 50 years of advanced flight training aboard the Northrop-built T-38 Talon. General Rice is the commander of Air Education and Training Command. (Courtesy photo/Jo Hunter)
3/18/2011 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Officials commemorated the T-38 Talon supersonic jet trainer's 50th service anniversary in a ceremony here March 17.
The T-38 was first deployed in March 1961, and has served as a training vehicle for multiple generations of pilots and pilot instructors throughout its five decades of service.
Col. Richard Murphy, the commander of the 12th Flying Training Wing, said the T-38 continues to play a central role in the Air Force's pilot training program.
"The T-38 has been an instrumental and foundational element (of pilot training) over the last 50 years," Colonel Murphy said. "The Talon continues to develop our combat Air Force pilots as they learn aviation and warfighting skills that are needed for today's Air Force and for our future."
The T-38 prepares pilots to fly fighter and bomber aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the B-1B Lancer.
"The aircraft obviously has been a tremendous work horse," Colonel Murphy said. "(And it will) continue to serve in this capacity for the foreseeable future."
Reflecting on the legacy of the T-38, Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., the commander of Air Education and Training Command, said the 50-year history of the aircraft represents a "fundamental truth" about the Air Force.
"The Air Force utilizes the best equipment, provides the best training and possesses the world's most qualified and dedicated instructor pilot force," he said. "The complexity of both the modern battlespace and that of our aircraft inventory have increased dramatically, and the T-38 has evolved to meet these very, very high demands. From the 'glass cockpit' and a heads-up display, to numerous structural upgrades, the Talon has embodied the phrase, 'flexibility is the key to airpower.'"
The general went on to recount the T-38's history, beginning with its first flight as a test aircraft in 1959, in the shadow of NASA's human spaceflight program.
"What you may not know about the T-38 is that its maiden flight was on April 10, 1959 -- the day NASA (officials) held their first press conference with the Mercury astronauts who went into space," he said. "While the eyes of the nation were fixed on space flight and later on a voyage to the moon, the T-38 team was quietly building a foundation of excellence upon which the Air Force would build its pilot force for decades and decades to come."
General Rice said the effectiveness of the T-38 was proven during the Vietnam War and continues to this day.
"Just a few years after its first flight, the T-38 graduates were tested in combat in the skies over Vietnam," he said. "It is difficult to overstate the legacy of the T-38 Talon and the effect it has had on sustaining the finest pilot training program in the world."
In honor of the aircraft's 50th anniversary, retired Lt. Col. Donald Wheeler, one of the first graduates of the T-38 training program, arrived at the ceremony in the rear seat of a T-38 painted with a special commemorative color scheme, giving the plane an appearance similar to its original 1961 look.
The colonel said he believes the Air Force has one of the best pilot training programs in the world, and that his training aboard the T-38 was advantageous to his career as a pilot.
When asked if the T-38 feels different now than it did on his early flights, he said, "Yeah, I'm older now."
Though the T-38 has served the Air Force for 50 years, General Rice said it will continue to serve as a training platform for future Air Force pilots.
"Over the next few years, new pilots will continue to learn their craft in this wonderful, wonderful aircraft, the T-38," he said. "And one day, these young men and women will ascend to fill the ranks of Air Force senior leadership. So no matter what the future holds, the legacy of the T-38 Talon is secure in the experiences and the memories of this new generation of Air Force aviators."
Colonel Murphy said that while much has changed in the world since 1961, there is one thing that has not changed.
"Our mission remains the same as it was in 1961: produce the world's greatest pilots and instructors," he said.
Comments
3/24/2011 4:00:39 PM ET I went through UPT at Columbus AFB, Class 85-03, and I have fond memories of the White Rocket. I can't imagine a more beautiful airplane than the T-38. Thanks for the wings.
John Musolino, Long Island NY
3/23/2011 9:02:16 AM ET I was an Instructor Pilot at Willie in the early '60s when we brought in the T-38 to replace the venerable T-33s. I racked-up over 2000 hours in the bird over the next few years. Ironically our Squadron Commander at the time was also a Colonel Dick Murphy. He was the Murphy who coined the term Murphy's Law when he was previously at DARPA. and so it goes....
Terry Magrath, Switzerland
3/21/2011 1:31:24 PM ET In December 1971, my last Christmas as an AFROTC Cadet before I graduated and commissioned from Auburn University, my father -then the OSI District 10 Oommander in San Antonio- was able to get me a ride in the rear Pit of the T-38. The IP's name was Capt. Schwerdt. Now 40 years, 11600 flying hours and three Type Ratings later, that flight is still one of my most vivid memories. What a beautiful airplane it was then and still is. Thanks Capt. Schwerdt, Col. Hoyt S. Vandenberg Jr., and Col. Norman T. David for the opportunity to fly in the greatest flight training aircraft ever built.
Kerry N. Jack David, Litchfield Park AZ 85340
3/21/2011 12:58:07 PM ET worked on the T-38 at Willie from the early to late 80's as an eng.troop with flush then went on to maintain them at sheppard with ENJJPT in the 90's and now I'am attached to the T-38 acft gearbox overhaul shop here at Hill the T-38's a great bird to work on and to fly in.
steve wagner, Hill AFB UT
3/21/2011 12:06:23 PM ET I grew up on a UPT base and always loved the aggresive look of the T-38. My Dad was in maintenance and occasionally would show me how the landing gear worked the flight control systems when they were rigging and a host of other things. It sparked an interest in all things aviation and made me join and become a boomer and my brother is still there working as part the maintenance contractor for the T-1s. I'm glad the Talon is still flying.
Thom McCoy, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
3/21/2011 11:42:44 AM ET I worked on Talons at Randolph for 6 and half years. I loved it best jet to work and to have your name on. I know my bird 7087 is still flying today and looks as good as ever. Very fond memories of working the Talon may she keep flying.
Vaughn, Tucson
3/20/2011 7:33:27 PM ET Wonderful story. Although my AF service career predates the T-38 we read about the Talon during all of my career. Administration was my field. After about 9 years I was assigned to Aircraft Maintenance Administration. That's when I realized what the Air Force was all about and why we wear Air Force Blue. The T-38 and all other planes of the time were workhorses in all respects of the word. Now how about a story about another workhorse, the C-47. Thumbs up for a positive story.
R Soucy USAF Ret., N. Calif
3/20/2011 12:33:17 AM ET I always enjoyed working on the T-38. It's an attractive bird with sleek lines. My aircraft radio and radar career began with the T-38 Talon and the T-37 Tweet - another fun bird. They will always have a special place in my heart.
Brenda, Utah
3/18/2011 6:54:58 PM ET T-38 Talons are a very advantageous acft. Loved working on them. Please don't forget the Crew Chiefs. Glad they're still around. Most acft I worked on are at the bone yard. I guess the Talons are the most cost efficient acft in our inventory
Samurai 1, Lemoore Ca. at the moment
3/18/2011 5:11:28 PM ET I always like the T38. I only been able to see them at the AIR SHOW.
