Last April 3rd, the T-37 Tweet formally retired from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training here after 39 years of service as the gateway to the sky for more than 10,000 Air Force aviators. Columbus Air Force Base was the last Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training base flying the T-37, but the T-37 Tweet will continue to be used in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program at Sheppard AFB, Texas.

“If you are a flier or a maintainer of any airplane, there is an emotional attachment,” said Maj. Gen. Irving L. Halter Jr., the 19th Air Force commander. “The T-37 is a part of the fabric of Air Force aviation as well as American aviation.”

“The T-37 has been a symbol of Air Force pilot training for half a century,” said Lt. Col. David Johnson, the 37th Flying Training Squadron commander. “While getting newer aircraft is always a good thing, the Tweet was a living, breathing piece of pilot training heritage being used on a daily basis to train our young men and women.”

The retirement ceremony ended with a four-ship T-37 Tweet fly over by members of the 37th Flying Training Squadron.

“Goodbye, old girl. We are going to miss you,” General Halter said. “You have done much for this nation and have made dreams come true.