Norwegian Vice Chief of Defense visits Sheppard

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Meredith Hein
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Norwegian Vice Adm. Jan Eirik Finseth, the Chief of the Norwegian Defense Staff, paid a visit to Sheppard Air Force Base April 24 to tour the base and visit with the Norwegian contingent at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program in an effort to highlight the importance of international pilot training.

"This program is essential--especially to small nations," said Finseth. "We are so pleased with the training and support our students receive. It is truly great to be here."

Finseth came to Sheppard following a stop in Washington D.C., and will move on to Norfolk, Va. next before heading back to Norway.

A naval officer by trade, Finseth says his observations of this Air Force program have been "very positive" in his time here.

Finseth highlighted the benefits of the program, noting that the training provided here is the critical first step to producing fighter pilots for Norway.

Coalitions, Finseth observed, are now the norm for war fighting--especially for small nations. "All nations must look to friends to work together in crisis and war," he said.

"Our whole country and military--air force, navy and army--we've always been an outgoing nation, but we recognize the practical side of things. Coalitions and programs like ENJJPT are essential to making good pilots for Norway," said Finseth.

ENJJPT is the only internationally manned and operated pilot training program, and is comprised of thirteen NATO partner nations.

"We have a lot of countries and cultures here together. Students and staff have a chance to learn from each other and help one another," said Finseth. "This program goes far beyond training--it creates cultural understanding. When we have crises, pilots from partner nations in this program already know how to work together."

Finseth also remarked that international partnerships have always been important to Norway.

"All partners gain from coalition training, whether that's from ENJJPT, international exercises or cross border training" said Finseth. "And every ENJJPT graduate that has come back to Norway has helped to spread that coalition message."

Norway, along with Germany and the Netherlands, is unique in that all fighter pilots for these nations are trained at ENJJPT.

"This international training has allowed us to be totally integrated with coalition war fighting," said Finseth. He added that he hopes the future of the program will enable training for the next generation of fighter aircraft.

The Kingdom of Norway, despite maintaining a healthy budget, sees worldwide fiscal constraints as further justification for international pilot training.

"It's another reason to stay together," said Finseth. "The benefits of cost-sharing help all parties involved. Financial considerations are why we can justify training."

Another benefit to the ENJJPT program is nearly year-round flying weather--something Norway lacks. However, Finseth noticed other benefits in Wichita Falls.

"Texas is the finest place to be," said Finseth. "The extreme support from the local community is outstanding. The space, the weather and the fine people--we hope to stay here as a part of this program for many years!"