782nd Training Group welcomes new commander at Sheppard AFB

  • Published
  • By Courtney Clarkin-Delaney
  • 82d Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – --  

The 782nd Training Group at Sheppard Air Force Base marked a new chapter in its history Thursday, July 10, as command of the group passed from Col. Eric Haler to Col. Andrew Adams during a formal change of command ceremony.

The event was attended by base leadership and members of the Sheppard training mission.

During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Paul Filcek reflected on Haler’s many achievements and leadership qualities.

“We are going to miss Col. Eric Haler. He has been my friend, he’s been my mentor, and he will always be my role model,” Filcek said. “I will forever look up to you, Eric Haler. You nailed this.”

Haler, who assumed command of the 782nd TRG in 2023, led the group through numerous operational milestones, overseeing technical training for thousands of Airmen.

“I learned something from all of you,” Haler said. “Enjoy the ride. The days may be long, but the years fly by.”

Adams arrives at Sheppard from Barksdale Air Force Base, bringing a broad range of operational and leadership experience.

He earned his commission through Officer Training School in February 2003 and has served as an intercontinental ballistic missile combat crew commander, formal training instructor and evaluator. His assignments have included roles as a joint strategic cyber planner, program manager and flight commander with U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency.

Adams has twice commanded communications squadrons in U.S. Air Forces Europe and Pacific Air Forces. Prior to this assignment, he served as chief of operations for the Cyber Operations Integrated Planning Element, Sixteenth Air Force, with duties at U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt AFB, Nebraska.

The 782nd Training Group is one of two technical training groups under the 82nd Training Wing, responsible for delivering technical and military training in aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, logistics and more. The group’s mission supports the development of combat-ready Airmen across multiple career fields essential to global Air Force operations.

“I would like to thank Brig. Gen. Filcek,” Adams said. “Sir, I am honored and humbled by your confidence in selecting me for this amazing responsibility.

“When we first spoke, you mentioned how this group and wing’s investment in developing Airmen pays dividends back to the Air Force for many years into the future, and how our fingerprints are present throughout the force. I am thrilled to now play a part in that mission.”

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition symbolizing the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one leader to another.