Nineteenth Air Force
| Nineteenth Air Force | |
|---|---|
Shield of the Nineteenth Air Force | |
| Active | 1 October 2014 – present 1 July 1993 – 13 July 2012 1 July 1955 – 2 July 1973 (69 years, 11 months) |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Numbered Air Force |
| Role | Provide flying, airmanship and SERE training to Air Force Officers, enlisted Airmen, and cadets |
| Part of | Air Education and Training Command |
| Headquarters | Randolph Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Maj Gen Gregory Kreuder |
| Notable commanders | Maj Gen "Michael A. Keltz". Brig. Gen. Henry Viccellio, 8 July 1955 – June, 1960, July 1963 – June 1964 Major General Mark S. Solo Maj Gen William E. Bryan Jr. |
The Nineteenth Air Force (19 AF) is an active Numbered Air Force of the United States Air Force. During the Cold War it was a component of Tactical Air Command, with a mission of command and control over deployed USAF forces in support of United States foreign policy initiatives. The command was reactivated in 1993 under Air Education and Training Command with a mission of conducting AETC's flying training.
19th Air Force was inactivated on 9 July 2012 as a cost-cutting measure by the Secretary of the Air Force, but was reactivated on 1 October 2014 when it was determined that the cost-cutting measures did not reap the savings expected. AETC commander General Robin Rand directed the reactivation to consolidate the management of the AETC flying mission again under a Numbered Air Force instead of the AETC Headquarters.