Student pilot's 25-year dream comes true

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Team Sheppard welcomed Col. Eberhard von Wintzingerode-Knorr as the new commander of the 80th Operations Group during a change of command ceremony June 25.

Colonel von Wintzingerode-Knorr, returns as a commander after graduating from the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program in 1985. For the new commander this is a 25 year dream to come true.

"It is an honor and privilege for me to become the new commander of the 80th Operations Group," he said. "I have to say a dream has come true after nearly 25 years since I first started my flying career here at Sheppard."

The colonel said he has a passion for flying and wants to pass his skills and knowledge to the next generation of student pilots. As the new commander, he also asked for help from his staff and students.

"It is my goal to help the students to become combat-oriented pilots who are skilled and have learned the basics of air power," he said. "As the 80th Operations Group commander, I am also responsible to adjust the program to meet the challenges of the environment and to optimize the training of the future pilots. To accomplish this, I invite you all to work together with me and my staff to cross critique any changes that may come."

Col. Kevin Schneider, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, said although there is a high bar set for success, he has no doubt Colonel von Wintzingerode-Knorr is the person to take on this position.

"(Colonel von Wintzingerode-Knorr) knows firsthand the importance of this program for the NATO alliance," he said. "Over the years, he has compiled an impressive resume and among his accomplishments, he has served as the commander of the 1st Squadron, 72nd Fighter Wing, Hopsten, Germany, and later became the flying group commander of 71st Fighter Wing, Wittmund, Germany."

Colonel Schneider said with the previous experience as a commander and more than 2,300 flying hours accumulated, Colonel von Wintzingerode-Knorr is ready to take on the mission at hand.

"(Colonel von Wintzingerode-Knorr), better than anyone, knows the challenges and stakes that are involved with developing pilots in today's environment," Colonel Schneider said. "As you take the guidon today, you take on the impressive responsibility of managing the flying challenges of the world's premier pilot training program.

"You did a fantastic job, one that had direct impact on the NATO alliance, and I know you will do an exceptional job while you are here," the Colonel Schneider said. "We look forward to having you as the operations group commander. Welcome aboard."