A destructive thunderstorm that struck Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma on July 20 caused significant damage to 12 T-6 Texan II trainers, further challenging the already-strained basic flight training program. The powerful storm, with wind gusts reaching up to 70 MPH, has also prompted a thorough inspection of the remaining 87 T-6s in the unit to assess structural integrity and check for debris in the engines and other crucial components.
Due to the extensive damage caused by the storm, full operations at Vance Air Force Base won't resume until August 4, leading to a disruption in the effort to graduate 1,500 basic flight students this year. As the initial step in a multi-year training program to develop combat-ready pilots, the setback will have long-term implications for the Air Force.
Tech. Sgt. James Bolinger, a Vance spokesperson, revealed that the pilot training pipeline has been adversely affected, and discussions are underway to find ways to compensate for the lost time and meet production numbers. The impact primarily revolves around the T-6 Texan II trainers, while the T-1 Jayhawks and T-38 Talons at Vance Air Force Base remain unaffected by the storm.
