80th Flying Training Wing marks record yearly output in pilot training Published Sept. 12, 2025 By 1st Lt. Elizabeth Notice 80th Flying Training Wing SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- With the graduation of Class 25-08 on Thursday, September 11th, 2025, the 80th Flying Training Wing reached a 10-year high in pilot production, marking a milestone for the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program. The graduation brought the total number of pilots produced in fiscal year 2025 to 175, the most in a single year since before 2015. “ENJJPT continues to set the standard for fighter pilot production for the NATO alliance,” said Col. Jeffrey Shulman, 80th FTW commander. “Despite multiple challenges, our instructors, maintainers and support personnel ensured we continue to produce the finest combat pilots for the alliance at a time when NATO’s eastern flank is under threat.” The wing sustained its tempo through a series of obstacles, including a runway closure at Sheppard Air Force Base. Runway 15C/33C closed in April for repairs, forcing the wing to operate from one less runway. Class 25-08 also made ENJJPT history with the most nations represented in a single class. Eight NATO allies, including the United States, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Norway trained together. Maj. Gen. Geert De Decker, Belgian Air Force chief, delivered keynote remarks at the ceremony, highlighting the importance of allied partnerships in developing the next generation of NATO aviators. Since its founding in 1981, ENJJPT has trained more than 8,300 pilots from 14 NATO nations. For more information on ENJJPT, visit https://www.sheppard.af.mil/Units/80th-Flying-Training-Wing/