Fantini takes command of 82nd TRW

  • Published
  • By Second Lieutenant Jerred Moon
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  There is a new commander of the Air Force's largest technical training wing ready to meet the challenge of training over 75,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines annually.

Brig. Gen. Michael A. Fantini, Commander of the 82nd Training Wing, took command from Brig. Gen. Darryl W. Burke, outgoing 82nd Training Wing commander, during a ceremony at the Sheppard parade field April 13.

Now that the 82nd TRW guidon has changed hands, it is Fantini who will have the privilege of commanding the 82nd TRW and working with the 80th FTW.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to take command of such a great organization," he said. "We are fired up to be a part of Team Sheppard."

Fantini will be working closely with Col. Dieter Bareihs, commander of the 80th Flying Training Wing, and the men and women of the 80th as a part of Sheppard's continued combined success.

"It's great to have touch points in the family of the Air Force such as Col. Bareihs and Col. Vlasak," he said. "Who I have served with previously, in combat."

Fantini reminded the 82nd Training Wing of the role people play in the mission and why Airmen serve.

"We pledge our lives to execute the mission, but we can't knock that out without the people and without this sense of family," he said. "This sense of family will keep you and keep us in the Air Force to serve our nation."

He told the warriors of Team Sheppard his expectations as the new Commander.

"As a person I expect you to be squared away; I want you to be trained, I expect you to know the guidance and to know the directives," he said. "I want you to be spiritually and mentally ready to go do our nation's business."

Fantini has served 25 years on active duty and now brings his experience to Air Education and Training Command's largest training installation. Fantini is a Command Pilot with more than 3,200 flying hours.

Most recently, Fantini served as the Director of Combat Force Application at USAF Headquarters, Washington D.C.

Maj. Gen. Leonard A. Patrick, Second Air Force Commander, officiated the ceremony.