Wings see successes by working together

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Ian Phillips
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
Among the many significant things the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program has accomplished in its 25 year history, their strong relationship with the 82nd Training Wing has been another feather in their cap.

The all-too-often animosity host and tenant units feel that permeates some bases is non-existent at Sheppard because of the strong teamwork each wing brings in every day. The two have shown how two wings can come together and train the best the Air Force and the world have to offer.

Col. Jeffery Kendall, the 80th Flying Training Wing commander said a strong relationship between the wings is paramount to each accomplishing their missions.

"We are simultaneously training our newest Airmen and NATO pilots under one umbrella of support," he said. "In order to support both critically important missions, the traditional host-tenant support relationship has become more of a partnering between the two organizations."

The 82nd Training Wing, as a host unit, provides the basic working and living environment with international visibility, Colonel Kendall said. He lauded the host wing's ability to provide quality base housing, lodging, medical care, world-class base service support like personnel, financial and contracting assistance.

He said they also provide professional facilities construction and maintenance to safe and secure workspaces, Team Sheppard comes together to provide a high-quality training environment for all involved.

The feeling of teamwork can be felt by both sides as the 80th provides Sheppard with valuable leaders as they train the fighter pilots of the future.

"The 80th is not a tenant at Sheppard, but an equal partner in our training mission," said Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander. "It is a great experience for our Airmen to train today with tomorrow's future coalition partners. We can't win this global war on terrorism by ourselves and Sheppard provides the opportunity to train together with future GWOT partners."

Through exercises, accidents and inspections, the base has come together, not as two separate units, but as a cohesive team that accomplishes excellence in all they do. The teamwork at Sheppard is not something that just completes a simple day at work; it makes the base a technical and flying training center of excellence today and for the future.