Activation of the 306^th At The Air Force Academy

The 306th has been a Bomb Group, a Bomb Wing, a Bombardment Wing, and a Strategic Wing.  Now it is a Flying Training Group.  In a ceremony at the US Air Force Academy on 4 October 2004, the Air Force activated the 306th and established the 306th Flying Training Group, assigned to the 19th Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, Randolph AFB, TX. 

The 19th Air Force is now responsible for all initial and specialized flying training in the Air Force.  In former times, the Academy had its own “private flying club,” which provided airmanship training to cadets to include soaring, freefall parachuting, and powered flight training.  The new Training Group will continue these programs and also provide Introductory Flight Training for pilot and navigator screening.

During his remarks at the ceremony, Major General Edward R. Ellis, Commander, 19th Air Force, recalled the many combat achievements of the 306th.  He paid respect to the former members of the 306th since its founding in 1942.  The 306th was chosen by agreement among the Office of Air Force History, the Commandant of Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy, and the Commander of Air Education and Training Command.  At the time of the decision, the 306th was the most decorated unit in non-active status in the Air Force.

Colonel William G. Goodyear (USAF Ret.) represented all former members of the 306th during the activation ceremony.  Colonel Goodyear was the first Academy graduate assigned to the 306th.

The mission of the Air Force Academy is to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline, motivated to lead the world’s greatest air and space force in service to the nation. The new officer development system will seek to enrich each cadet’s appreciation of the officer’s way of life.  To accomplish this goal each cadet will receive instruction and associations designed to assimilate Air Force culture and adopt core values.  Later in their cadet experience they will broaden their appreciation of Air Force culture and doctrine and develop a strong foundation in air and space employment.