Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 21-12

Graduates from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 21-12 stand as they await to be presented their awards July 9, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The graduates completed a 52-week pilot training program including academics, physiological training, and flight training in the T-6A Texan II, T-1A Jayhawk, and T-38C Talon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Jessica Haynie)

Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 21-12

The official party attending the graduation of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 21-12 lower their heads in prayer July 9, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The invocation was given by Chaplain (Capt.) Joshua Stevens after the National Anthem was played. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Jessica Haynie)

Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 21-12

A student from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 21-12 breaks her pilot wings July 9, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The pilot tradition entails snapping their first set of wings into two, never to be brought together again while the pilot is alive. One half is kept by the pilot, while the other half is kept by the pilot’s loved one. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Jessica Haynie)

Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 21-12

Brigadier General Bobbi Doorenbos (Retired) (Left) hands 2nd Lt. Jack Reis the Order of Daedalians Air Education & Training Command Commander’s Trophy July 9, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The trophy is presented to the students who demonstrate outstanding performance with assigned check rides, daily flying operations, as well as maintains an exceptional commander's ranking and academic score. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Jessica Haynie)

Graduating pilots, a new world awaits

Published July 9, 2021
By Senior Airman Jake Jacobsen
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Students from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 21-12 walked across the stage July 9, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, officially earning the aeronautical rating of pilot.

To earn this title and their Air Force wings, each student flew nearly 200 hours during a 54-week period. Along with flying, students are tasked with completing 400 hours of flight-related classroom instruction and simulator training.

Attending the graduation ceremony was guest speaker Brigadier General Bobbi Doorenbos (Retired) who gave the new aviators words of wisdom to hold on to as they navigate their career in the Air Force.

“I am very optimistic for their future,” said Doorenbos. “I know we have such great talent in our pilot training classes and it is fun for me to reflect back to when I was in their shoes. They have incredible things on their horizon right now, it’s amazing to be a part of that.”

Doorenbos is a senior pilot with more than 1,200 hours in the F-16C Fighting Falcon. She served as Special Assistant to the Director, Air National Guard, acting as the Headquarters Air Force Military Deputy for Training and Readiness.

“The ability to adapt to the different things that happen to you in life will be a critical skill throughout the years,” said Doorenbos. “Your career path doesn’t always follow the path you think it will, so when you get knocked down you get back up.”

After receiving their diplomas and being congratulated for their hard work, the graduates and audience watched a video about what it means to be a pilot in the Air Force followed by an age old tradition called the breaking of the wings.

The tradition entails snapping their first set of pilot wings into two halves, never to be brought together again while the pilot is alive. One half is kept by the pilot, while the other is kept by the pilot’s loved one.

As the new pilots move onward in their careers, they will go to their respective bases and begin training on the aircraft assigned to them. Some selected officers will stay at Columbus AFB, entrusted with the position of First Assignment Instructor Pilot ensuring the continuation of training world class aviators.