Meet the new commander: Col. Lance Bunch

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Meredith Hein
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 80th Flying Training Wing's newest commander, Col. Lance Bunch, is about as excited as anyone could hope for his new job--which includes leading over 1,400 American and international men and women in the world's only internationally manned and managed pilot training program.

"I'm so happy to be here," Bunch said. "This is such an amazing opportunity. I can't walk around the wing without running into motivated Airmen everywhere I go."

Bunch commented that he is particularly excited for the international aspect of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program, which includes 13 NATO partner nations.

"We are here to train the next generation of NATO aviators," Bunch said. "We have the chance to strengthen NATO bonds for the future. That's such a huge advantage of this program--these young Airmen are able to build those international ties at the beginning of their careers. Couple that with the best training in the world, and we know we're sending the best for NATO."

Bunch has worked with partner nations before while in combat in Afghanistan.

"Those international bonds you build are so important in today's fight," he said. "A lot of those people I worked with came through Sheppard."

Bunch has been prepared for this assignment through nearly two years' experience working on the Pentagon's Joint Chief's Strategy Working Group, where he gained exposure to national level policy. "It shows how this program fits into the big picture," Bunch said.

A former instructor pilot, Bunch is able to see undergraduate pilot training from the standpoint of both instructor and student. "I have an appreciation for both sides," he said. "I have to remember to keep that perspective as a commander."

Overall, Bunch has over 3,300 flying hours in the F-15, B-52 and T-38. That diversity of experiences, he says, helped him to learn about the Air Force as a whole. "I had the chance to be at different commands at different locations and be exposed to lots of great leaders," he said.

Bunch says he is looking forward to executing the ENJJPT mission.

"Our vision is to be the world's premier combat pilot training program. I've been so impressed with the professionalism of the instructors, the motivation of the students and the all-around quality of the Airmen in the 80th as they carry out the mission."

Bunch also commented that this program is a chance to gain insight into more than just flying.

"I want the Airmen in this wing to learn as much as they can while they are here and to take on any opportunity to lead" said Bunch. "Our environment forces us to take some chances, but it is all a learning process. As long as we have eyes on good judgment and safety, we can really make things happen."