80th FTW welcomes Bunch as new commander Published March 28, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Meredith Hein 80th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 80th Flying Training Wing, which houses the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program here, has a new commander. Col. Lance Bunch assumed command from Col. Dieter Bareihs during a ceremony Thursday morning. Officiating the ceremony was Gen. Edward A. Rice, Commander, Air Education and Training Command. Bunch will be commanding the only internationally manned and operated pilot training wing in the world. The ENJJPT program trains over 200 pilots every year for thirteen NATO partner nations on one of the busiest airfields in the Air Force. "The NATO mission here at ENJJPT is such a critical one in this day and age," said Bunch. "We must take the time to learn from our friends around the world." In addition, Bunch will be working closely with the 82nd Training Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini, as Bunch begins his command at Sheppard. Bunch comes to Sheppard from the Pentagon, where he served as a member of the Joint Chiefs Strategy Working Group. "I am so excited and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of this great operation," Bunch said. Bunch completed pilot training at Reese Air Force Base, Texas before beginning his career as a B-52 pilot. He later transitioned to the F-15. A command pilot, he has more than 3,000 flying hours. In previous assignments, Bunch has served as a squadron commander, director of operations and deputy group commander. He has also worked in several joint assignments. "I look forward to working with all of you in the future and continuing the mission of the wing," Bunch said. Bareihs, who has been at Sheppard since 2011, will be moving on to the Pentagon.