Near Selma in Dallas County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Craig Air Force Base

Advanced Flying Training School

Photographed by Mark Hilton, January 24, 2016

1. Craig Air Force Base Advanced Flying Training School Marker

Inscription. On May 3. 1941, the largest flying field in the United States, military or civilian, opened its gates as a new unit of the Southeast Air Corps Training Center, where flying cadets received advanced schooling in the handling of multi-mile-a-minute pursuit planes. So it was the history of Craig Field began. It ended with the graduation of the UPT Class 77-08 on August 12, 1977, and the departure of the last official aircraft, a T-38 flown by Gen. John W. Roberts, commander of the Air Training Command. But in the 37 years and one week of its life, in excess of one million hours of flying time were logged, beginning with the AT-6 of 1941. including the T-37, and ending with the T-38. More than 30,000 students flew into the "wild blue yonder" from its runways. During aerial combat of World War II, Korea and Vietnam Craig graduates defended their country with valor. And there were many who touched the face of God.
The history of Craig Air Force Base is ended, but the pride and integrity of the 29th Flying Training Wing and its people live on.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space •

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War, Korean • War, Vietnam • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is May 3, 1941.

Location. 32° 21.577′ N, 86° 59.095′ W. Marker is near Selma, Alabama, in Dallas County. It is at the intersection of 5th Street and Avenue B, in the median on 5th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5th Street, Selma AL 36701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Black Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Joe T. Pilcher, Jr. (a few steps from this marker); Campsite 1 (approx. 2.8 miles away); Civil Rights Memorial Park (approx. 3½ miles away); Honoring: Amelia Boynton Robinson - Marie Foster (approx. 3½ miles away); Lynching in America / Lynching in Selma

Craig Air Force Base Marker looking toward U.S. Highway 80. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, January 24, 2016

2. Craig Air Force Base Marker looking toward U.S. Highway 80.

(approx. 3½ miles away); The Honorable John Lewis (approx. 3½ miles away); "Builders of Movements and Monuments" (approx. 3½ miles away); In Memory of Reverend Hosea Williams, Sr. (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selma.

Regarding Craig Air Force Base. The former Craig Air Force Base is now the Craig Field Airport and Industrial Complex.

Also see . . . Wikipedia article on Craig Air Force Base. (Submitted on January 24, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

View of current Craig Field control tower in very far background. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, January 24, 2016

3. View of current Craig Field control tower in very far background.

Former Craig AFB security entrance gate. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, January 24, 2016

4. Former Craig AFB security entrance gate.

Former 29th Flying Training Wing at Craig AFB image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, January 24, 2016

5. Former 29th Flying Training Wing at Craig AFB

Served Here With Distinction
1940 - 1977

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,695 times since then and 116 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 24, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.