Stands takes command of the 25th Flying Training Squadron Published April 17, 2012 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Lt. Col. Jeffrey Stands accepted command of the 25th Flying Training Squadron April 13 during a ceremony attended by more than 100 people in Hangar 170 here. Before a formation of 25th FTS instructor pilots, unit members and family and friends, Stands received the squadron guidon from Col. Kurt Meidel, the 71st Operations Group commander. Stands previously served as the director of operations with the 25th FTS before becoming the chief of the 71st Flying Training Wing Safety office, the job he held before taking over as commander. Stands replaced Lt. Col. William Browne who will deploy overseas. The 25th FTS trains student pilots to fly the T-38 Talon, a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer.