LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The 87th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) commemorated 35 years at Laughlin Air Force Base on April 2, 2025, marking more than three decades of excellence in training the Air Force’s next generation of aviators.
The anniversary marks the unit’s redesignation from the 87th Fighter Interceptor Squadron to the 87th FTS and its assignment to the 47th Flying Training Wing in 1990.
“The Red Bulls have a long legacy of sustained performance.” said Lt. Col. Johnathan Radtke, 87th FTS commander. “From Combat in WWII to protecting North America during the Cold War, the 87th has always had pride in maintaining the highest level of pilot proficiency. Today the Red Bull legacy is continued by producing the greatest combat-ready pilots for the United States of America and Allied Nations.”
The 87th traces its lineage back to Aug. 18, 1917, when it was organized as the 87th Aero Squadron. During World War II, in Januray 1942, the unit, then designated the 87th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), was activated at Dale Mabry Field, Florida, and later deployed across the European Theater. The squadron earned ten campaign streamers, including for operations in North Africa, Sicily and Italy; receiving two-unit citations recognizing exceptional performance in those regions.
After World War II, the squadron was deactivated in 1947. It returned to active duty during the Cold War and was based at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, from 1971, where it maintained combat readiness in all-weather intercept tactics and aerial refueling. The 87th was scheduled to convert to the F-15 Eagle in 1984, but the plan was cancelled due to budget cuts. The squadron was inactivated again in 1985, only to be reactivated at Laughlin five years later in its current pilot training role.
“The Red Bulls have built a brand around a winning culture through their strong work ethic and perseverance as gatekeepers to the CAF (Combat Air Force),” said Radtke. “Students and Instructors alike should take great pride knowing that their role in the Red Bulls lead to the next generation of Combat Aviators.”
In recent years, the squadron has achieved several notable accomplishments including:
“It’s a great point in history to be a Red Bull.” said Capt Zachary Joslin, 87th FTS instructor pilot (IP). “As a squadron we are executing the mission given to us with excellence and it’s rewarding to be a small part of that. It’s an honor to be a part of a group of aviators with such a long line of heritage. What stands out currently is our selection as AETC Top Ops Squadron 2023. This in particular stands out to me because I was able to see all the work that was put into earning that award by my friends and co-workers.”
Capt. Joslin also reflected on a recent unique experience flying within the 87th FTS.
“I was given the opportunity to fly in a four ship that was made up of two T-38s and two F-22s—one of which being flown by General Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command,” said Joslin. “That flight was comprised of all the things that make the type of flying that we get to do here in the 87th so exciting and challenging. I’m grateful that we get these opportunities to develop ourselves outside of our usual mission of developing the student pilots. I believe we get the chance to do things like this because we first perform our primary mission with excellence.”
As part of the 47th Flying Training Wing, the 87th FTS trains student pilots for operational assignments across the Air Force.
“The 87th prepares pilots to be mission ready by trying to instill the importance of the job that they have ahead of them out in either the Mobility Air Forces (MAF) or CAF,” said 1st Lt. Erik-Ian Kwelberg, 87th FTS IP. “As instructors we try to impress upon the students the importance of ‘being comfortable with being uncomfortable.’ This prepares student pilots to remain levelheaded during the stressful experiences during a sortie. We try to give them these experiences here in pilot training so it’s not a new experience for them out during their first operational assignment.”
Kwelberg also emphasized the squadron’s culture and team spirit.
“The 87th is special as a team in my opinion because we are a tight knit hardworking group of individuals,” said Kwelberg. “All the instructors of the 87th tend to have the same drive of wanting to put in the extra effort to see all the student pilots succeed in every aspect of their training, and willing to put in the extra effort of early mornings and late nights to see the squadron’s mission accomplished.”
Now 35 years into its pilot training mission at Laughlin, the 87th Flying Training Squadron continues to uphold a legacy of operational excellence, teamwork, and a commitment to building the next generation of combat-ready aviators.
“Looking forward to the next 35 years; our role will change, as will the people and aircraft,” said Radtke. “The Red Bull spirit will always remain with a razor-sharp focus on meeting our Nation’s needs. To all the former Red Bulls, your legacy lives on through our commitment to excellence. Our success is built on the foundation you created. HOOK ‘EM!”