14 FTW Commander Hosts New Year Community Reception

  • Published
  • By Richard Johnson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Chief of Public Affairs

Col. Douglas Gosney, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander, kicked 2017 off with a community reception for his Wingman, Honorary Commanders, Military Affairs Committee members and key government and civic leaders Jan. 7 at the Columbus Club. In addition, he invited all the 14th FTW group and squadron commanders to the reception.

"Thank you for the fantastic support for the men, women and mission of Columbus AFB in 2016," Gosney stated.

In 2016, the 14th FTW plan, briefed and flew 56,642 sorties with 81,010 flight hours. This effort resulted in 309 graduated pilots and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals wingmen, Gosney said. In addition, our Medical enterprises went through a Joint Commission inspection and received its medical accreditation for another three years.  Our medical staff was lauded by the inspection team as the fewest discrepancy ever seen on an inspection. The Fire and Emergency Services also earned its accreditation, one of only two in the state of Mississippi and the fourth in Air Education and Training Command.

Looking ahead to 2017, the Command has asked us to fly more sorties, given us more flying hours with the expectation to produce 344 graduated pilots and IFF wingmen, Gosney said. Our 2017 leadership challenge will be to produce more with fewer resources per student.

Gosney was joined on stage by Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Harry Sanders, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tenn Tom Waterway Management Center Director, Rickey Saucer, and Executive Director of Visit Columbus to announce Fireworks on the Water 2017 will occur on July 1 and be hosted once again by the East Bank of the John Stennis Lock and Dam facility.

2017 is the 75th anniversary of Columbus AFB, Gosney said. While our team worked diligently, we did not get selected for the Thunderbirds 2017 air show schedule, instead we were selected for the 2018 schedule.

Gosney, with the help of Col. James Fisher, 14th FTW Vice Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Johnathan Hover, 14th FTW Command, also unveiled the announcement of the 2018 Wings over Columbus Air Show and Open House featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Columbus AFB will open to the public April 21-22, 2018 for the open house.

We are looking forward to seeing all of our base and community members at both of these exciting events, Gosney said.