Craig Air Force Base

Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama, played a critical role in Air Force pilot training during the Cold War era. Active from World War II through the mid-1970s, Craig was known for producing disciplined, capable pilots who trained primarily in the T-37 “Tweet” before moving on to more advanced aircraft.

Life at Craig was demanding but deeply formative. Long days began with early briefs and ended with debriefs that stretched late into the evening. The heat, the pressure, and the constant sound of jets overhead created an environment where mistakes were lessons and confidence was earned, not given. Students and instructors alike remember Craig for its intensity and its no-nonsense culture.

These are the stories of those who passed through Craig—of first solos, tough check rides, unforgettable instructors, and the bonds forged in cockpits and classrooms that stayed with them long after the base closed.