NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Florida –
Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, Nineteenth Air Force commander, visited the 479th Flying Training Group from March 24-26 as part of a regional tour aimed at strengthening collaboration and ensuring the efficient and effective training of Combat Systems Officers for the U.S. Air Force.
During the visit, Kreuder was briefed on the unique mission and capabilities of the 479th FTG. Discussions addressed critical components of Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training, including Instructor CSO gate month alignment, UCT-Next competency mapping and syllabus development, Civilian Simulator Instructor manning, and overall resource allocation. These efforts align with Nineteenth Air Force’s broader mission to ensure CSO training pipelines are modern, resilient, and tailored to meet the needs of a future fight.
Kreuder experienced firsthand the CSO-specific modifications to the T-1A Jayhawk aircraft, where he observed student training roles in both the front ("S1" for students and "I1" for instructors) and back ("S2" and "I2") seats. Next, he had the opportunity to operate the sensor in the back seat, gaining insight into how CSOs develop tactical coordination skills and airmanship. These seat-specific roles rotate based on each student's projected follow-on aircraft and mission requirements.
As part of the visit, Kreuder toured the simulator facilities to evaluate the use of ground-based training systems such as the T-96 (T-1 simulator), T-25 (classified part task trainer focused on Electronic Warfare training), and the Multi-Crew Synthetic Trainer System (MCSTS). The T-96 replicates the S1/I1 mission set, while the MCSTS simulates a CSO sensor console, enabling realistic and deliberate mission training.
The T-25, supported by the Nineteenth Air Force’s sole intel shop, provides CSO students training in a realistic threat environment to better understand the high-end fight. As immersive and virtual training continues to play a key role in flight instruction, these simulators provide cost-effective, high-repetition, and high-fidelity environments to help develop core skills, supporting the mission of Nineteenth Air Force’s Flying Training Center of Excellence.
Maj. Ryan Johnson and Capt. Brett Baker demonstrated the MCSTS, highlighting how next-generation technology, inspired by Pilot Training Next principles, is being integrated into the UCT syllabus. These innovations, including virtual- and mixed-reality solutions, aim to increase student capacity and retention while addressing airspace limitations and operational security concerns.
Kreuder also took time to recognize outstanding personnel during his visit. He acknowledged Master Sgt. Tevin King for his contributions as the group’s personnelist, and Capt. Scott Wortman for his leadership and mentorship as a flight commander. Both emphasized their commitment to empowering Airmen and future leaders.
In a message that resonated deeply with the formation, Kreuder spoke on the importance of "controlling the controllable." He reminded members of the 479th FTG that regardless of external factors, individuals retain power over four key areas: attitude, preparation, effort, and how they treat others.
Kreuder’s visit underscored the Nineteenth Air Force’s commitment to advancing CSO training through student-centered learning, quality instruction, immersive technology, and human performance optimization. With these continued efforts, the 479th FTG remains at the forefront of developing agile and capable warfighters for tomorrow’s battlespace.