80th FTW honorary commander takes spin in Texan II

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 80th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs officer
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 80th Flying Training Wing's honorary commander gained a better understanding of the wing's mission June 4 when he soared through the North Texas and Southern Oklahoma skies in a T-6A Texan II, the newest trainer in the fleet.

Bad weather spoiled Lanham "Fishing" Lynes' first attempt to go up, but strong winds didn't keep the Wichita Falls mayor from experiencing what student pilots in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program endure on a daily basis. Col. David Petersen, 80th FTW commander, piloted the aircraft.

"It was a great, great flight," Mr. Lyne said, feet firmly planted on the ground. "It was a little bumpy."

Sheppard's honorary commander program is an extension of its squadron adopter program that pairs civic leaders with wing, vice and group commanders at the 80th FTW and 82nd Training Wing. The program, as does the squadron adopter program, fosters a positive relationship between the base and surrounding communities.

Mr. Lyne said that although Sheppard does provide a significant economic impact on the area, there's more to it that just dollar signs - it's the relationship and camaraderie that is built through partners learning and experiencing both worlds.

Colonel Petersen echoed Mr. Lyne's comments, and said how well Sheppard performs its mission is dependent upon support from communities most of Team Sheppard calls home.

"This honorary commanders program has been around for years - since before I've been here," the colonel said. "That relationship with the community is important to our success."

But there's also a connection that reaches across the Red River that separates Texas and Oklahoma. Colonel Petersen said he was able to show how neighboring communities in Southern Oklahoma also take part in training the United States' and NATO's future pilots.

"Today we even got to do an approach into Duncan to show how important that is," he said. Student pilots from ENJJPT use several airfields in Oklahoma to conduct training.

The 80th's honorary commander wasn't just treated to the experience of flying in the sleek Texan II. Colonel Petersen, with the help of Lt. Col. Ternell Washington and Mr. Lyne's son, Jonathan, bestowed upon him the honor student pilots experience after their first solo flight - a dip in "the tank."

The colonel said it was well deserved since Mr. Lyne won't attempt a solo in the Texan II anytime soon. Mr. Lyne called it a "special moment," despite a little deception on Colonel Petersen's part to lure the unsuspecting "dunkee" to the tank.

Mr. Lyne said his orientation flight with Colonel Petersen was unique and that he would definitely enjoy another flight - once his flight suit dries. But, the flight also gave him a perspective on the Air Force's dedication to providing the best training equipment available for servicemembers.

"It's a great trainer," he said of the Texan II. "It's going to be a great aircraft for the Air Force."