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Library > Fact Sheets > 97th Training Squadron
97TH TRAINING SQUADRON
Posted 11/3/2010
Printable Fact Sheet
The 97th Training Squadron manages the 97th Air Mobility Wing's $1.01-billion contracted aircrew training program for 275 assigned instructors and 2100 C-17 and KC-135 students from the United States and 16 countries. The squadron operates five flights, including C-17 Aircrew Training System (ATS) quality assurance, KC-135 ATS quality assurance, training, student support. Additionally, military training leaders provide mentorship and Airmanship training for 300 new Airmen annually in the Air Force Phase program.
Although portions of the squadron's training mission can be traced back to 1952 when the 1709th Technical Training Squadron was activated at West Palm Beach, Fla., the history of the 97th Training Squadron is relatively short.
The squadron as a whole was activated for the first time Jan. 20, 1994, at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., and inherited the mission of the inactivated 330th Flying Training Squadron. It also became responsible for the KC-135 Central Flight Instructor Course following the stand down of the Strategic Air Command. In August 2002, the Basic Load Master schoolhouse moved from Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas to Altus Air Force Base, Okla. Each year, they train 320 Active, Guard and Reserve members through their three-level basic loadmaster qualifications. In 2007, the loadmaster schoolhouse moved away.
During the short first tenure of the 97th Training Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, the men and women of the unit preserved the prestige and quality training of the KC-135 Central Flight Instructor Course which had been tried, tested and proven for more than 30 years.
The unit garnered overall excellent ratings during the 1995, 1997, 2004, 2006, and 2008 Air Education and Training Command Quality Air Force Assessment and Operational Readiness Inspections. Additionally, the squadron received an outstanding rating in the instructor qualification and training category during the 1995 inspection and an outstanding rating for the Military Training Flight in 2006 inspection.
The 97th Training Squadron earned three Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards before its inactivation on Jan 16, 1998.
The squadron was reactivated to fulfill its current mission on Feb. 15, 2002. The 97 TRS provides quality assurance for the wing's contracted aircrew training program, 24 syllabi, and 21 training devices worth $234 million encompassed in 9 facilities worth $84.7 million. Additionally they are tasked with standardizing the efforts of 275 assigned instructors and 283 civilian contractors for up to 2100 C-17/KC-135 students annually.
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