Colonel Petersen settles in, prepares to take off

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  After a week of meetings, in-processing, appointments, briefings and filling out countless forms, there is one rite of passage the new commander of the 80th Flying Training Wing has yet to undergo, one he plans and hopes to accomplish soon.

He still hasn't flown in one of Sheppard's jets.

Col. David Petersen, a 22-year pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours under his belt, has been so busy orientating himself with the many other aspects of his new command that he hasn't quite found time for the "fun part."

Still, the colonel isn't complaining.

"I have been busy, there's so much to take in, and see, and learn. But it's fun," said Colonel Petersen. "Colonel Kendall told me that I would have a blast, and he's right. In the few short days I've been here I've been having the time of my life."

When asked of his impression of his new surroundings, Colonel Petersen praised the strong work ethic he's noticed throughout Sheppard and the friendly atmosphere he's encountered in Wichita Falls. As for his wing in particular, the multinational cohesiveness of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program earned special mention.

"The way the internationals come together as a team and work together sets an example for the rest of the organization's endeavors," Colonel Petersen said.

When Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux first became the 82nd Training Wing commander, he announced a triad of concepts he expects Sheppard personnel to strive for. Colonel Petersen already has a plan for ensuring the 80th FTW achieves each of those goals.

"By doing everything we can as a team to keep ENJJPT at the forefront in training, we'll be the technical best," he offered. "We'll upkeep and upgrade the wonderful facilities and equipment here, which will help satisfy the fantastic first impressions.

"As for a safe, supportive, secure environment, I believe that can be achieved if everyone just follows the core values of our United States Air Force. I intend to emphasize that everyone is entitled to that environment," Colonel Petersen said.

While the colonel plans to do everything in his power to build on General Devereaux's vision for Sheppard, he also has a philosophy of his own.

"My overriding principle is to put people first," he stated. "If we care for our people, train them, provide for them and their families, and give them the tools they need, they can tackle any problem.

"I wasn't born to be a commander; someone taught me, cared for me and equipped me. We need to do the same for our people."

Colonel Petersen arrived at Sheppard from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, where he was more familiar with the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program. He has already noted the differences between it and ENJJPT.

"The ENJJPT mission is different from SUPT in that it highlights interaction with our international partners, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to explore that here," he said.

There are upcoming 80th FTW events that Colonel Petersen eagerly awaits. Along with a new training syllabus that will "modify the entire training program," the colonel is also anticipating the arrival of the T-6 Texans to accompany the new 'C' model T-38 Talons that already line Sheppard's runways.

"The T-6 and T-38 are well-needed and timely changes. They'll advance the training to what the pilots can expect once they leave here," he said.

Though he has personally handled the new "glass cockpit" computerized jet controls at previous bases, the chock-full schedules and ever-mounting paperwork that invariably greet all new commanders may not allow Colonel Petersen to break in one of Sheppard's new aircraft anytime soon.

But he has optimistically penciled in a slot.

"I'm scheduled for this Friday," he said, adding in a hopeful voice, "and going up quite frequently after that is my goal."

If no last-minute command crises occur, Colonel Petersen may soon see a bird's eye view of the Texas "T" that, for at least the next couple of years, belongs to him.