German Air Force honors 50th anniversary at Sheppard

  • Published
  • By George Woodward
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

The inspekteur der luftwaffe, equivalent to the chief of staff of the German Air Force, marked the 50th anniversary of German pilot training here during a special roll call Sept. 23, 2016.

Lt. Gen. Karl Müllner, who began his flying career after graduating from pilot training here in 1982, was joined by fellow Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program graduate Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, as well as German Consulate General Ricarda Redeker and other senior German Air Force officers.

“The benefits of Sheppard Air Force Base as a training location were, and still are, evident to the German Air Force,” Müllner said.

“Ideal climatic conditions, a large air base providing the best support for pilot training and the very kind acceptance by the people of Wichita Falls and all friends at Sheppard Air Force Base” Mullner listed as contributing factors to the ongoing success of the joint partnership. 

German Air Force pilot training at Sheppard began in 1966, and served as an important precursor to the formation of ENJJPT in 1982. In all, more than 2,500 German pilots have been trained here.

“Generations of NATO pilots have jointly gained a comprehensive understanding of flying that ranges from flight safety regulations to first insights into operational procedures,” Müllner said. “However, the true value of Sheppard Air Force Base cannot be derived exclusively from these facts and figures. This place also has an influence on the way our officers think and act.”

In highlighting the partnership at Sheppard, Müllner cited the broader German-American partnership.

“This year, the German Air Force celebrates its 60th anniversary, and in 10 days’ time, Oct. 3, we will see the 26th anniversary of German reunification,” Müllner said. “But even earlier, we learned that the United States reliably stood by our side. In the center of our capital, Berlin, stands a memorial to the Berlin Airlift. It commemorates the support provided by our Western Allies to the citizens of West Berlin during the Soviet blockade from June 1948 to May 1949.”

“These anniversaries,” Müllner said, “give us cause for joy and gratitude since they would not have been possible without the United States, without the trust and support of our American friends.”

Müllner took special care to thank representatives of the local community for their role in the success of the program at Sheppard. Wichita Falls, Burkburnett and Iowa Park mayors were all present, as were members of the Junior League, which has served as the German Air Force country sponsor for 50 years.

“Your contribution to the German-American friendship cannot be praised highly enough,” Müllner said. “The relationship between our countries would hardly reach such a level if it was shaped and determined solely by statesmen and their symbolic gestures. It must also be lived by the citizens of our nations.”

 “It remains a fact: The transatlantic alliance is vital to our security, and the success of our past gives us certainty for the future. The power of our friendship will be stronger than all challenges and enemies we have to face,” he said.

Roberson echoed Müllner’s words, stressing that while the technical flying skills students learn were vital, the opportunity to train in a coalition environment provides benefits that go well beyond the individual pilot.

“I have flown in three wars, starting with Operation Desert Storm,” Roberson said. “In all three, I flew with my NATO partners beside me. The joint NATO combat flight training taking place here has been put to use in every modern day conflict, to include efforts in Afghanistan supporting ground troops and shattering the Libyan ground and navy forces.”

For Roberson, the Berlin Airlift showed the importance and effectiveness of coalitions.

“The Berlin Airlift demonstrated to the world what combined effort for good can bring to those in such turmoil,” he said. “None of us can do it alone, and the support of our allies remains significant beyond measure. We must do all we can to preserve our ties and continue to learn from one another.”

Roberson said the history and vitality of the partnership bode well for the future of both countries, and the NATO Alliance.

“Today, NATO partners are fighting ISIS every day,” Roberson said. “Joint training is the foundation of any effective alliance, and NATO, born of the Cold War, remains relevant today in large part because of its coalition air power, and that starts right here at Sheppard Air Force Base.”

The celebration of the 50th anniversary continued in a less formal setting Sept. 24, with Oktoberfest held at the Bridwell Agricultural Center. More than 1,000 people from Sheppard and the surrounding communities attended.