Randolph Air Force Base, located north of San Antonio, Texas, is one of the few bases in the Air Force that does instructor pilot training. This has been their mission since the base's inception in 1930. The physical beauty and long history have combined to make Randolph Air Force Base the "Showplace of the Air Force."

In 1926 and 1927, 1st Lt. Harold Clark, an architect, was assigned to a motor pool. He spent his spare time sketching ideas for a perfect "Air City" on the back of dispatch sheets. When he learned that a new base had been approved, he submitted his ideas and was appointed as the architect in charge. The building of the base was the Army Corps of Engineers' largest construction project since the creation of the Panama Canal.

Randolph Air Force Base Was Dedicated in June, 1930

The base was named after Captain William Randolph. Born in Austin, Randolph served with distinction for nine years. He died in 1928, when his plane crashed on takeoff. Randolph Field was dedicated June 20, 1930. The approximately 15,000 people in attendance witnessed a fly-by of 233 planes, which may have been the largest assembly of military aircraft in the world.

The host unit at Randolph Air Force Base is the 12th Flying Training Wing. This group is not only responsible for training pilots, but also for creating and evaluating new training systems. Randolph Air Force Base is also noted for having an exceptional support system for their personnel.