Class 15-BBD graduates from 47th FS Published Aug. 6, 2015 By Senior Airman Chris Massey 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Six pilots of Class 15-BBD graduated from the 47th Fighter Squadron here July 24. The 47th FS is a unit that conducts training for pilot initial qualification, transition and instructor qualification in the A-10C Thunderbolt II. Class 15-BBD graduated from the 6-month course after completing 245.5 hours of classroom academics, 71 hours of A-10 simulator training, 40 flying missions totaling approximately 83.5 hours of flight time with training in basic fighter maneuvers including air-to-air, basic surface attack, surface attack tactical and close air support, and expended approximately 6,350 30mm rounds, 150 inert training bombs and 72 rockets. Immediately after graduation, the pilots relocate to their operational squadrons as qualified, combat mission-ready wingmen. This class graduated a few weeks early to allow some members of the class to deploy to contingency operations. The training has readied the pilots to fly long duration missions, including air-to-air refueling, day and night, striking a variety of dynamic targets, at times in very close proximity to friendly forces requiring quick action, solid decision making and a high degree of precision said U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Shipman, 47th Fighter Squadron A-10C instructor pilot. The vision statement of the 47th FS is: "To train, educate and mentor the world's finest attack pilots for the Combat Air Forces while honing the core competencies of the A-10 instruction, operations management and aircrew life support. To further develop the leaders, wingmen and warriors at all ranks to meet the challenges of leading or service today and into our future."