8th FTS celebrates birthday Published Dec. 12, 2006 By 1st Lt Michael Creedon 8th Flying Training Squadron Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- The 8th Flying Training Squadron marked its 62nd birthday March 18 with a celebration of the squadron's past, its present and a look toward the future. Instructors and staff relived the 8th's history as Capt Lance Benson delivered a look at the formation, development and achievements of the squadron over the past 62 years. The 8th FTS members then raised their glasses in a somber toast to their fallen comrades, remembering those who sacrificed their lives for their country while in the service of the squadron. Each name was read from the squadron's roll as instructors and staff bowed their heads in remembrance. Finally, attendees enjoyed a steak dinner prepared by Maj Mike Harris, E Flight commander, and Maj Raphael Bonita, A Flight commander. "Recognizing our unit's rich history is one of the ways the '8 Ballers' cultivate unit cohesion," said Lt Col Greg Lamb, 8th FTS commander. "We received a letter from one of the original 8th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron Commanders, (retired) Lt Col Dick Shipway, and read aloud his recollections of what it meant to be an '8 Baller' during World War II." Colonel Lamb went on to note the entire event was prepared by 1st Lt Sam Kessler, and took weeks to set up. The 8th FTS formed on Dec. 23,1941 as the 8th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, 16 days after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, marking the United States' entrance into World War II. With a need for intelligence on enemy strength and position, the War Department assigned nine officers and 40 volunteer enlisted personnel as the 8th PRS officially stood up on Feb. 1, 1942. One month later, the squadron was shipped to Australia where it provided invaluable intelligence to the United States' war effort in the Pacific. "This was a great opportunity for the members of the 8th FTS to reflect on their squadron's expeditionary history," Colonel Lamb said of the rapid formation and deployment. "The warrior spirit that was started then lives on today with our focus on training Expeditionary Air Warriors." The squadron faced many difficulties in its early days; Japanese attacks, a lack of supplies and personnel, primitive living conditions and unpredictable tropical weather hampered the squadron's early efforts. Initially with only four modified P-38 aircraft, and later with B-24s, B-25s and B-17s, the 8th PRS patrolled the Pacific skies in unarmed aircraft, without fighter escort, in heavily patrolled enemy airspace. Despite these challenges, for most of the war the squadron was the only provider of reconnaissance imagery in the theater. Many crews were lost or simply disappeared without a trace. As they flew into overwhelming odds in the face of the enemy, many remarked they were 'behind the eight ball,' an image that stuck with the squadron throughout its history and is reflected on the squadron insignia today. The squadron's history is marked by tales of harrowing missions, almost superhuman efforts and incredible perseverance, as was the case with Fred Hargesheimer, who was shot down off New Britain. Badly injured, he evaded capture for 31 days as the Japanese searched for him. After successfully evading the enemy, he spent another seven months in the jungle with natives while recovering from his injuries before finally being rescued by the submarine U.S.S. Gato. "Adapt, improvise and overcome," Captain Benson said, remarking on the 8th's early efforts. "They set the example in difficult times for us to follow today." The squadron was sent to Korea before being deactivated in February of 1951. In 1972, the squadron was activated again, this time at Vance Air Force Base, with the mission of training student pilots from the Air Force, Navy and Marines to become military aviators. Today, the 8th FTS flies more than 23,200 hours and 18,100 sorties each year in the Cessena T-37B 'Tweet' trainer. The mission of the squadron continues every day over the skies of northern Oklahoma, as instructors take students, some of whom have never flown before in military aircraft, and create pilots in just over four months.