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Historic ceremony marks 306th FTG realignment to USAFA

Lt. Col. Jonathan B. Vaage, 98th Flying Training Squadron commander, swaps an Air Education and Training Command patch for a U.S. Air Force Academy one during a ceremony on Davis Airfield here April 1, 2026. The patching ceremony marked the historic realignment of the 306th Flying Training Squadron, of which the 98th FTS is a part, from AETC to the Academy headquarters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
Lt. Col. Jonathan B. Vaage, 98th Flying Training Squadron commander, swaps an Air Education and Training Command patch for a U.S. Air Force Academy one during a ceremony on Davis Airfield here April 1, 2026. The patching ceremony marked the historic realignment of the 306th Flying Training Squadron, of which the 98th FTS is a part, from AETC to the Academy headquarters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – A patching ceremony was held April 1 at Davis Airfield here to commemorate the historic realignment of the 306th Flying Training Group (FTG) from Air Education and Training Command (AETC) to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

The ceremony marked the effective transition of the 306th FTG as a major unit under the Academy headquarters, a move designed to strengthen the Academy’s Airmanship program and further integrate flying training with cadet development.

“Bringing the 306th FTG directly under the Academy’s command is about more than organizational structure,” said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “It’s about our commitment to inspiring cadets to become the air-minded leaders our Air Force needs. Through Airmanship, we instill in our cadets the skills, mindset and passion that will equip them to lead and innovate as future Airmen and Guardians committed to a lifetime of service.”

The 306th FTG provides soaring, powered flight, jump and overall Airmanship training to the Academy’s more than 4,000 cadets. The group runs the third busiest airfield in the U.S. Air Force, with over 27,000 sorties and 22,000 jumps each year. The realignment returns the group to direct Academy oversight for the first time since 2004.

Col. Nancy Taylor, commander of the 306th FTG, praised the enduring partnership between the Academy and AETC, stating, “This realignment strengthens our ability to deliver safe, rigorous Airmanship training in support of USAFA’s priorities while honoring the proud legacy we share with AETC. We are excited to be part of this new chapter as we continue to set the standard for excellence in Air Force flying training.”

Col. Nancy Taylor, the 306th Flying Training Group commander, speaks during a patching ceremony held at Davis Airfield here April 1, 2026. The 306th FTG provides soaring, powered flight, jump and overall Airmanship training to the Academy’s more than 4,000 cadets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)
Col. Nancy Taylor, the 306th Flying Training Group commander, speaks during a patching ceremony held at Davis Airfield here April 1, 2026. The 306th FTG provides soaring, powered flight, jump and overall Airmanship training to the Academy’s more than 4,000 cadets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

AETC will continue supporting the 306th FTG with on-the-job training and expertise for one year post-transition, ensuring continuity of operations and maintaining safety and standards.

See more photographs of the 306th FTG realignment patching ceremony on Flickr.