Vance students head to Texas to continue flight training Published June 15, 2009 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In order to keep pilot production at Vance Air Force Base on schedule for the Air Force, Navy, Marines and United States allies, Vance sent members of three classes of student pilots and their instructor pilots to Randolph Air Force Base and Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, today to resume flying training. The 27 students and instructors departed Vance shortly after 11 a.m. onboard a KC-135 Stratotanker from Altus Air Force Base, Okla. The classes include one class from Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training and two classes from the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course. The expiration of collective bargaining agreement between CSC Applied Technologies, and its three sub-contractors -- PRI/DJI, DenMar, and M1 Support Service -- and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 898, led to a strike that began June 8. Normal flying operations at Vance have been temporarily suspended. The leadership of the 71st Flying Training Wing is working with its chain of command to carefully evaluate both the impact of the strike on mission requirements and alternative solutions as needed. Safety of the people, property and mission of Vance Air Force Base remains the Wing's top priority. The base looks forward to the resolution of these negotiations but remains impartial during the strike. More information will be released as it becomes available.