Columbus AFB's rich history dates back to WWII, when steady efforts from the citizens of Columbus to the U.S. War Department finally payed off. On 12 August 1941, the citizens of Columbus leased the land to the U.S. government for just $1 a day to install a new pilot training base. Columbus AFB's first class began on 9 February 1942 and consisted of 25 cadets who had already completely most of their training at Barksdale Field who graduated 6 March 1942. During WWII, 7,766 students came to Columbus for pilot training, 7,412 of which graduated and received their wings and commissions. At some points, Columbus AFB was graduating 195 pilots a month. However, Columbus AFB hadn't reached its peak until 1945 where the force was comprised of 2,300 enlisted members, 300 officers, and graduating about 250 pilots a month.

     

At the end of WWII Columbus AFB was closed down for four years until the demand for pilots arose for the Korean War. On 20 December 1950, Air Training Command (ATC) decided to reactivate Columbus AFB as a contract flying school. In 1957 HQ of Strategic Air Command (SAC) decided to turn Columbus into a SAC base that would be home to the Air Force's B-52 Stratotankers and KC-135 refuelers. Though the first B-52's didn't land in Columbus until 1959, Columbus AFB remained a SAC installation for 13 years. It was in 1969 that the decision had been made to turn Columbus AFB back into a pilot training base. A little over a year later, Columbus began its first Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) class, 71-01. Three years later on 1 June 1972, the 14th Flying Training Wing was activated which continues to this day.

After Phase II, student pilots begin phase III training in one of four airframes. Either the T-38C Talon, the T-1A Jayhawk, UH-1 Huey, or in the T-44 Pegasus....

 

The T-38C Talon is a twin engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer. Powered by two General Electric J85-GE-5 turbojet engines with afterburners. It also features a pressurized cockpit, two seat, tandem seating, ejection seats, LCD displays, and a heads-up-display (HUD). T-38’s are trainers for fighter and bomber aircraft such as the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15C Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-1B Lancer, A-10 Thunderbolt and F-22 Raptor.                                                               50th Flying Training Squadron

The T-1A Jayhawk is a medium range trainer capable of holding a crew of three (pilot, co-pilot, and instructor pilot). Powered by two Pratt and Whitney JT15D-5B turbofan engines. The T-1A is used primarily as a trainer for airlift and tanker aircraft though it is also used for U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps navigator training.                      48th FlyingTraining Squadron

The UH-1 Iroquois, better known as the 'Huey', serves as the primary trainer for Phase III for those who track helicopters. Training for this airframe takes place at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Famous for the role it played during the Vietnam War, the Huey can hold a crew of 4, up to 3,880 lbs of cargo or personel, upto 14 troops, and is powered by a single Lycoming T53-L-11 Turboshaft. The Huey seats side-by-side seating, has a max speed of 135 mph, and a range of 315 miles.                                                                                                                23rd Flying Training Squadron

The T-44 Pegasus is a twin-engine, pressurized, Beechcraft King Air B90 manufactured by Raytheon Aircraft Company (formerly Beech Aircraft), Wichita, Kansas. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney model PT6A-34B turbo-prop engines, each engine is capable of producing 550 Hp each. With a range of 1,457 miles, a cruise speed of 227 mph, and max speed of 287 mph, the T-44's primary mission is to provide advanced maritime flight training for the Chief of Naval Air Training in Corpus Christi, TX. However, Air Force pilots complete phase III of training in the T-44 as a trainer for various models of the C-130 cargo planes.                  VT-28 Rangers, VT-31 Wise Owls

     

The Cotton District Grill -- Great food and drink, a favorite of college kids but popular with Alums expecially on game weekends. http://eatwithus.com/grill/menu-cd-starters.php    Oby's -- Kind of a New Orleans style deli. http://obys.net/       Harvey's -- Great food all around, use to be one in Columbus http://eatwithus.com/harveys/index.php       The Little Dooey -- Great BBQ and a great atmosphere. There is one in Columbus, but this one is the original. It is also where many of the sports writers and broadcasters eat when in town. http://www.littledooey.com/       Rick's Cafe -- College bar with live music, and often have pretty good bands http://www.rickscafe.net/       Doe's Eat Place -- Legendary place that originated in Greenville, MS that opened in Starkville around 2007. Great food!http://www.doesofstarkville.com/index.html

Ajax Diner -- A charming restaurant with fantastic food but with prices a little shy of a fine dining establishment. Voted Best Downhome/Soul Food by Misssissippi Magazine. 118 Courthouse Square The Library -- A bar and grill that doubles a popular night spot, The Library is large with three different bars each of which play different playlists with a noticable variety. A popular spot for the college poopulation. 120 South 11th St.