Didn’t First Lieutenant Harold Clark envision an “Air City” when he sketched his airfield design? That vision led to Randolph Air Force Base. It stands as a testament to aviation history and architectural grandeur. Today, we explore this remarkable base. Randolph Air Force Base is located in Bexar County, Texas. It is near San Antonio.
Randolph Air Force Base opened in 1931. It served as a flying training facility. This was for the United States Army Air Corps. Later, it served the United States Army Air Forces and the Air Force. In 2010, Randolph AFB merged. It joined Lackland Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston. Together, they formed Joint Base San Antonio.
The base is named after Captain William Millican Randolph. He was from Austin. Sadly, he died in a crash. At the time, he was on the base naming committee.
Randolph Air Force Base is known as “the Showplace of the Air Force”. This is because of its Spanish Colonial Revival style. All structures were built in this style. This includes the hangars. The base’s symbol is a large water tower. It sits atop Building 100. This building houses the headquarters for the 12th Flying Training Wing. Because of its architecture, the headquarters is called “the Taj Mahal”. Some simply call it “The Taj”.
Planning for Randolph began after the Air Corps Act of 1926. Facilities at Kelly and Brooks Fields were not sufficient. A new training field was needed. The base was designed by Harold Clark. He designed a circular layout. George B. Ford revised Clark’s plan. Construction began on November 1, 1927. It was the largest construction project undertaken by the Army at that time.
Randolph Field was dedicated on June 20, 1930. About 15,000 people attended. There was a fly-by of 233 planes. In 1931, the School of Aviation Medicine moved to Randolph. The Air Corps Training Center also moved its headquarters here.
Between 1931 and 1935, over 2,000 candidates reported for pilot training. Primary training continued until 1939. Then, Randolph’s mission shifted to basic pilot training. Because of the Air Corps Act of 1926, Randolph became known as the “West Point of the Air”. A 1935 Hollywood film used Randolph as a location. The film was called West Point of the Air.
During World War II, Randolph had an intercollegiate football team. They were called the Randolph Field Ramblers. In 1943, they were invited to the Cotton Bowl Classic. The game ended in a tie.
The U.S. Air Force became a separate service in 1947. In 1948, Randolph Field was renamed Randolph Air Force Base. Flying training resumed. In 1950, the 3511th Combat Crew Training Group was established. They trained crews for the B-29 Superfortress.
In 1952, the Air Force established the Crew Training Air Force. Its headquarters were at Randolph. In 1961, pilot instructor training returned. Randolph became the Air Force’s primary PIT base. In 1972, the 3510th FTW became the 12th Flying Training Wing.
Today, the 12 FTW trains instructor pilots. They provide refresher training in various aircraft. Randolph also has an auxiliary field in Seguin, Texas. This field is used for practice approaches.
Building 100, “the Taj Mahal”, is a key feature. It has a 170 ft enclosed water tank. The Clark Rotunda is beneath the tank. It features murals painted by William Dean Fausett. The base theater is located in the rear of the building. A Missing Man Monument stands in front of Building 100.
Randolph Air Force Base has a rich history. It has evolved. It continues to play a vital role in Air Force training. Its unique architecture and storied past make it a landmark. Randolph stands as a testament to the dedication and service of those who have passed through its gates.