General Congratulates Class 22-07

Graduates from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 22-07, break their first pair of wings, during their graduation ceremony, Mar. 25, 2022 on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. During a long-standing aviation tradition, pilots will keep one half of the broken wings and give the second half to a loved one. The two halves are never to be brought back together while the pilot is still alive. (U.S Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessica Haynie)

General Congratulates Class 22-07

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, USAF Academy superintendent, presents 2nd Lt. Riley Simpson, SUPT graduate, with an AETC Commander's Trophy, Mar. 25, 2022 on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. Simpson was one of three recipients of the award for being the most outstanding students overall in their classes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melissa Duncan-Doublin)

General Congratulates Class 22-07

Published April 1, 2022
By Airman 1st Class Jessica Haynie
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – Class 22-07, consisting of thirty officers, graduated from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Mar. 25, 2022 on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, USAF Academy superintendent, delivered the graduation speech.

The command pilot graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986 and since then, has obtained over 4,200 flight hours, 400 combat hours and eleven major awards and decorations.

“It is always going to be challenging,” said Clark. “You have never arrived, you are always working, trying to get better, trying to elevate your performance. So continue to keep that mindset of learning and working and getting better every day.”

Over the span of the 52-week training program, each student obtained nearly 200 flying hours in the T-6A Texan II and T-1A Jayhawk or T-38C Talon.
Class 22-07 had three distinguished graduates, 1st Lt. Alex Hsia, 1st Lt. Logan Stephens and 1st Lt. Trevor Simpson.

These officers earned the award for outstanding performance in academics, officer qualities, and flying abilities.

“Always remember it’s about something bigger than yourself. It’s about a commitment to a higher purpose,” said Clark. “What I am asking you to do is use your skills to commit to something bigger than yourself.”

The newly rated pilots closed the first chapter of training and will enter into a specialized track specific training in their respective aircraft.