New OG commander looks to continue tradition of international program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  German Air Force Col. Axel Pohlmann accepted command of the 80th Operation Group June 30 from Col. Heinrich Schneider in a change of command ceremony in Bldg. 2408.
"I will try to follow in his footsteps," Colonel Pohlmann said of Colonel Schneider, who took the 80th OG through the 2004 Operational Readiness Inspection with 'excellent' ratings for every squadron and an overall 'excellent' rating for the group. 

Colonel Pohlmann was assigned to Sheppard once before, from 1978-79, as a student in undergraduate pilot training. He joins Sheppard after a one-year assignment with the German Air Force Command at Koeln, Germany. 

Colonel Pohlmann's new responsibilities include operational support, flying training, air traffic control and standardization and evaluation. His new group provides support to more than 250 student pilots and more than 100 instructor pilot candidates per year and manages the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course for more than 145 trainees per year. 

Colonel Pohlmann is a command pilot. He has logged in more than 3,075 flight hours, and can fly the T-37, T-38, F-104G and the Tornado. 

The colonel said he is certain of what made his predecessor's tour a success and what will surely do the same for him. 

"It's the people who make this a success," the colonel said. "I will trust in every one of you. Please do the same and trust in me." 

Colonel Schneider echoed his replacement's sentiments. 

"Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training) program," Colonel Schneider said to his former troops during the ceremony. "It made me proud to be a part of this mission." 

The outgoing colonel said Sheppard is truly where combat capability begins. But it's also where international relationships are formed. 

"Thank you, Colonel Kendall, for your guidance when necessary, especially when it came to U.S.-national issues. (My family) always felt fully integrated and have made many friends." 

Colonel Schneider will move on to Ramnstein Air Base, Germany, where he will act as a German military representative, working with an American liaison for United States Air Forces in Europe. 

ENJJPT is the world's only internationally manned and managed UPT program.