Williams AFB 1990-05 "Chasin The Demon" by COMMANDO

The Williams AFB 1990-05 “Chasin The Demon” Patch commemorates the fifth Undergraduate Pilot Training class of 1990 at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. The class belonged to a long tradition of United States Air Force pilot training, where student aviators developed the flying skills and discipline required to progress into operational military aviation.

The History Behind Williams Air Force Base and Class 1990-05

Williams Field opened in 1941 near Mesa, Arizona, initially serving as an Army Air Forces training installation during the Second World War. It became Williams Air Force Base after the establishment of the independent United States Air Force in 1947 and developed into one of the service's major pilot-training centres.

In 1945, Williams became the first Army Air Forces installation to conduct jet fighter training, using the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. The arrival of jet aircraft marked a major change in military aviation. Pilots had to adapt to faster aircraft, new handling characteristics and increasingly demanding flying techniques. Williams continued to play an important role as the Air Force expanded its jet training programmes during the Cold War.

From February 1973, the 82d Flying Training Wing conducted undergraduate pilot training at Williams. Its training aircraft included the Cessna T-37 Tweet and Northrop T-38 Talon. The T-37 was used for primary jet training, introducing students to military flying, while the supersonic T-38 provided advanced instruction and prepared pilots for the demands of high-performance aircraft. Williams also trained pilots from allied nations, including students undertaking F-5 Freedom Fighter training.

The 1990-05 class was part of this established training programme. The specialist USAF patch-collecting archive records the class inscription as “WILLIE 9005 CHASIN' THE DEMON” and identifies the aircraft represented in the class patch as the T-37 and T-38. The nickname “Willie” reflects the familiar name used for Williams, while “Chasin' The Demon” gives the class its own distinctive identity. The phrase captures the humour and personality often found in pilot-training class traditions.

Class patches have a special place in military aviation culture. They distinguish individual training groups and preserve the shared identity of students who experienced the same demanding programme. Unlike standard Air Force qualification badges, these class designs are personal commemorative emblems, often incorporating aircraft, nicknames and phrases associated with the group.

Williams AFB was selected for closure during the 1990s base realignment process. The 82d Flying Training Wing was inactivated on 31 March 1993, and the base officially closed on 30 September 1993. The training legacy of Williams continues through the many military pilots who began their careers there.

Features

• Commemorates the fifth Williams AFB Undergraduate Pilot Training class of 1990
• Class inscription: “WILLIE 9005 CHASIN' THE DEMON”
• Associated with the T-37 Tweet and T-38 Talon training aircraft
• Recognises the history of pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona
• Represents the camaraderie and identity of a specific pilot-training class
• Collectible US Air Force aviation-themed morale patch
• Suitable for military memorabilia displays and aviation patch collections

Specifications
Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0062
Dimensions: 10.5 x 9 cm
Attachment: Sew-on
Barcode / GTIN: 9357994008804

A distinctive piece of US Air Force training history, this Williams AFB class patch celebrates the 1990-05 student pilots and the traditions formed during their journey through military flight training.