The COMMANDO U.S. Air Force Silver Wings Golden Hands Patch commemorates the 96th Flying Training Squadron and its contribution to military pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The design celebrates the squadron's training heritage and the achievements of the international pilots who undertook its flying courses, including Class 88-02 in 1988.

The History Behind the Patch

The 96th Flying Training Squadron has a history extending back to the Second World War. Originally activated as the 96th Pursuit Squadron in February 1942, the unit began operations flying P-38 Lightning fighters. It deployed to the European theatre in October 1942 before moving to North Africa, where it undertook combat missions across Algeria and Tunisia. The squadron subsequently operated over Italy and other parts of Europe, earning campaign honours for its wartime service.

Following the war, the unit returned to active service as a fighter squadron, flying the P-51 Mustang before later operating the F-94 Starfire in the air defence role. In June 1972, it was redesignated as the 96th Flying Training Squadron, marking a significant change from operational fighter duties to pilot instruction.

The 96th FTS trained American and international student pilots at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. Its training responsibilities included preparing pilots for advanced jet aircraft, and it became notable for being the first flying squadron to train women Air Force pilots in 1977. The squadron was inactivated in June 1992 before being reactivated on 1 April 1998 as an Air Force Reserve associate unit at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

At Laughlin, the 96th FTS became part of an integrated training operation, with experienced Reserve instructor pilots working alongside active-duty personnel. Its role included instruction on aircraft such as the T-1 Jayhawk, T-6 Texan II and T-38 Talon. This combination of experienced instructors and international student training reflects the importance of specialist flying training units in developing military aviation capability.

The Silver Wings Golden Hands Design

The wording "Silver Wings Golden Hands" reflects the skill and experience associated with military flying and pilot training. The reference to Class 88-02 and 1988 Foreign Pilot connects this particular design to a specific period of the squadron's training history.

Military aviation training patches often commemorate a particular class, course or training unit. They provide a lasting reminder of the instructors, students and shared experiences associated with earning the qualifications required to become military pilots. This morale patch recognises that tradition and the historical connection of the 96th Flying Training Squadron.

Features

• Commemorates the U.S. Air Force 96th Flying Training Squadron
• References Flying Training Squadron Class 88-02, 1988
• Recognises international military pilot training
• Celebrates the squadron's history from Second World War fighter operations to modern pilot training
• Woven cloth patch construction
• Suitable for military aviation memorabilia and USAF collections

Specifications
Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0046
Design: U.S. Air Force Silver Wings Golden Hands
Unit: 96th Flying Training Squadron
Class reference: 88-02, 1988
Construction: Woven cloth
Attachment: Sew-on
Dimensions: 150 x 100 mm
Barcode / GTIN: 9357994008644

The COMMANDO Silver Wings Golden Hands Patch is a distinctive piece of USAF training memorabilia, recognising the history of the 96th Flying Training Squadron and the generations of pilots who developed their skills through its programmes.