Flying the Jayhawk into the sunset

Published Jan. 2, 2025
By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --

On Dec. 17, the last T-1A Jayhawk in the 86th Flying Training Squadron made its final departure from Laughlin Air Force Base's Team XL.

A five-ship formation flies together at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024. The final flight of the T-1A at Laughlin consisted of two T-6A Texan IIs, two T-38C Talons, and the final T-1A Jayhawk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen) — A five-ship formation flies together at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024 in celebration of the final flight of the T-1A Jayhawk. The formation consisted of two T-6A Texan IIs, two T-38C Talons, and the final T-1A Jayhawk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen)

Thirty-one years ago, on Nov. 19, 1993, the first T-1A landed at Laughlin AFB. The 86th FTS received its final Jayhawk on Jan. 15, 1995, completing the 86th FTS fleet of training aircraft.

Used as a trainer for large aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III, the C-5 Galaxy, and the KC-135 Stratotanker, two-thirds of Air Force pilots trained on the T-1A and the three decades of service flown in the T-1A will be remembered fondly by those who flew it at the 86th FTS.

“The T-1A is an excellent plane, it prepared pilots for the next plane they would be moving on to,” said Capt. Nickolas Johnson, 86th FTS chief of operations. “It gives pilots the opportunity to train on crew resource management, which is what they will do on the heavier aircraft.”

In its last full year of service, the T-1A flew over 15,000 hours at Laughlin AFB, ensuring pilots proficiency in long range navigation.

Laughlin AFB held multiple sendoff events for aviators and Laughlin AFB personnel to commemorate the memories and legacy of the aircraft.

Airmen sit in the cockpit of a T-1A Jayhawk simulator while being guided by retired Col Andy "Gatos" Katz, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024. To honor the legacy of the T-1A Jayhawk, Airmen took part in red carpet simulators, being able to practice flying the T-1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen) — Retired Col. Andy Katz Airmen points to instruments in the cockpit of a T-1A Jayhawk simulator at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024. To honor the legacy of the T-1A Jayhawk, Airmen took part in red carpet simulators, being able to practice fly the T-1A. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen)

U.S. Air Force retired Col. James Muniz, 86th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) instructor pilot, speaks to Airmen at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 16, 2024. During his speech, Muniz spoke about the legacy and history of the 86th FTS and the history of the T-1A Jayhawk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen) — Retired Col. James Muniz, 86th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, speaks with Airmen at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 16, 2024. During his speech, Muniz spoke about the legacy and history of the 86th FTS and the history of the T-1A Jayhawk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen)

Airmen sign the interior panel of a T-1A Jayhawk at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 16, 2024. Airmen of the 86th Flying Training Squadron held a barbecue and ceremony to celebrate the legacy of the T-1A. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen) — Airmen sign the interior panel of a T-1A Jayhawk at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 16, 2024. Airmen from the 86th Flying Training Squadron held a barbecue and ceremony to celebrate the legacy of the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen)

For the celebration, the 86th FTS invited retired Col. James Muniz, a former 86th FTS instructor pilot to be the guest speaker. Muniz started his career at Laughlin in 1999 and returned from 2005 to 2008 as an IP and chief of training.

“The T-1A is a great training platform,” Muniz said. “However, it is only that, a tool used by professionals to teach and pass on their trade and knowledge. For 30 years, the mission was accomplished professionally and safely. I think that is a testament to all our support folks, from maintenance to HARM [host aviation resource management] and SARM [squadron aviation resource management] to life support professionals doing their part, so IPs and students could do theirs.”

Airmen participated in flight simulators, where civilian instructors facilitated simulated flying of the T-1A, and signed their names on the exterior of the jet before its final takeoff.

As a final goodbye, the last T-1A to leave Laughlin AFB participated in a five-plane flyover consisting of two T-6A Texan IIs, two T-38C Talons, and the final T-1A, tail number 346, the First Assignment Instructor Pilot heritage tail.

The aircraft made two passes over the air traffic control tower and airfield, ending with the T-6As and T-38Cs splitting off and the T-1A flying alone before continuing its final journey to “The Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants,” said Lt. Col Nathan Hedden, 86th FTS commander. “All of the [pilots] who have done this before, have left a legacy of excellent performance and excellent training. This unit has offered so much to the Air Force.”

The 47th Flying Training Wing will continue its mission of producing the best pilots in the world using the T-6A and the T-38C until the T-7A Redhawk reaches operational status.