3646th Pilot Training Wing (ATC)

• Formation and Role: The 3646th Pilot Training Wing (ATC) was established in 1952 as part of the Air Training Command, responsible for providing undergraduate pilot training to Air Force cadets during the Cold War era. • Main Location: The unit was based at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, which became a hub for flight training operations in the 1950s and 1960s. • Training Aircraft: The wing primarily used the T-33 Shooting Star and later the T-37 Tweet and T-38 Talon jet trainers, familiarizing thousands of pilots with jet aircraft operations. • Cold War Contributions: The 3646th played a vital role in rapidly expanding and modernizing the U.S. Air Force’s pilot corps during the height of the Cold War, addressing urgent needs for skilled aviators. • International Students: The wing also trained pilots from allied nations, strengthening U.S. military alliances and fostering international cooperation. • Women in Training: In the 1970s, the wing participated in the historic inclusion of female pilots in Air Force undergraduate pilot training. • Accident and Safety Records: The 3646th PTW was recognized for its commitment to safety, frequently receiving accolades for reducing training mishaps and setting high standards in flight safety. • Civilian Community Impact: The presence of the wing contributed significantly to the local economy and community of Laredo, Texas, with many service members and their families becoming long-term residents. • Deactivation: The wing was inactivated in 1973 as part of a broader reorganization of Air Training Command and the closure of Laredo AFB, ending more than two decades of pilot training at the base. • Legacy: Many graduates of the 3646th PTW went on to distinguished careers, with some becoming generals, astronauts, and test pilots, cementing the unit’s legacy in Air Force history.