BARKDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- B-52 Stratofortress Formal Training Unit Class 20-02 graduated during a ceremony here Dec. 4, the final class to graduate this year.
The 93rd Bomb Squadron and 11th BS administer the formal training program and continue to supply the Air Force with a timely and steady stream of new B-52 aircrew, despite the on-going COVID 19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has been a challenge for everyone, but the instructors and students have really doubled-down to ensure everyone graduates on time and we couldn’t be more proud of their efforts,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Hedrick, 93rd Bomb Squadron commander.
The 93rd BS, an Air Force Reserve unit, and their active-duty counterparts in the 11th BS work in a total force integration arrangement. Their combined efforts have ensured all FTU classes graduated on time this year, while simultaneously ensuring all necessary requalification candidates maintained necessary readiness.
Hedrick said the student pipeline has continued uninterrupted and two new FTU classes are coming in on the heels of FTU Class 20-02.
“We have one class that has wrapped up their classwork and will enter the flying phase and another class right behind them starting academics,” explained Hedrick.
The 93rd Bomb Squadron has served as the B-52 formal training schoolhouse for more than a decade, graduating its first class of students in 2009.