COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Fourteen Undergraduate Pilot Training student pilots of Class 25-08, graduated on April 18, 2025, at the Columbus Event Center on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The UPT graduation ceremony officially marks the completion of initial flight training in the T-6 Texan II as students earn their wings and begin the next phase of advanced pilot training for the Air Force’s newest pilots.
Pilots advance to graduate training in one of two new programs: Air Mobility Fundamentals, or Fighter/Bomber Fundamentals. These new programs, like UPT, capitalize on and incorporate modern training tools and methods that provide a unique advantage through innovation.
AMF currently leverages the “Mid-Tier Device,” a simulator replicating the T-1A Jayhawk, to prepare graduates for mobility or tanker platforms. The Air Force’s first-ever F/BF class began at CAFB in June 2023. The new program combines and streamlines legacy T-38 Graduate Pilot Training and T-38 Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals into a unified syllabus for graduates continuing to fighter or bomber platforms.
The Class 25-08 graduation speaker was Brig. Gen. Andrew S. Rendon currently commands the 66th Troop Command, where he is responsible for the readiness, training, and development of all Soldiers under his leadership. With over 28 years of military service, Rendon began his career as an Army Aviator after commissioning through ROTC. His assignments have spanned multiple leadership and operational roles in both active duty and the Mississippi National Guard, including deployments to Kosovo and Afghanistan. He has commanded at various levels, including the 1-185th Assault Helicopter Battalion and the 185th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade. Rendon holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Senior Army Aviator Badge, reflecting a distinguished career in Army aviation.
Students are also recognized with additional accolades through academic and professional military achievements such as the Order of Daedalians AETC Commander’s Trophy, Distinguished Graduate Award, Academic Award, Military Training Award, and Flying Training Award.
CLASS 25-08 Graduates
2d Lt Brandon E. Alcorn (Academic Excellence, AETC Commanders Trophy, Distinguished Graduate Award, Flying Training Award)
2d Lt James C. Alwin
2d Lt Thomas R. Budraitis
2d Lt Alvern E. Dyer (Military Training Award)
2d Lt Matthew R. Hall
2d Lt Nicholas A. Huff (Military Training Award)
2d Lt Dakota J. Kuehl (Academic Excellence)
2d Lt Alison E. Lord
2d Lt Lukas C. Porter
2d Lt Derek M. Spahr
1st Lt Yu Feng J. Teo (AETC Commanders Trophy, Distinguished Graduate Award, Flying Training Award, International Award)
2d Lt Nathan T. Vestal
2d Lt Gunnar P. Wessels
2d Lt Mehmet C. Yayla (International Award)