Dutch pilot earns place as ENJJPT Star

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Close to 15 years ago, in the skies above Serbia, a Dutch pilot launched a missile from his F-16 at a Mig 29 after being cleared to engage. Several seconds later flaming debris from the destroyed aircraft were falling to the earth. This feat marked the first Dutch air-to-air victory since World War II.
 
Royal Netherlands Air Force Col. Peter "Wobble" Tankink, pilot and Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training graduate, was recognized for his exceptional success and notable efforts in accordance with the ENJJPT program core values by becoming an "ENJJPT Star" March 14.
 
The 80th Flying Training Wing is home to ENJJPT, the only internationally-manned and managed pilot training program in the world. Currently 13 NATO nations participate in the program. Each year ENJJPT produces more than 200 pilot-qualified graduates.

The ENJJPT Stars program recognizes graduates who have gone above and beyond their call of duty by distinguishing not only themselves but their country. The program aims to educate and motivate ENJJPT students about the limitless potential of their career after training.
 
Each year, senior national representatives from the 13 participating nations will nominate ENJJPT graduates from their nation who have been deemed worthy of this award. A single candidate is selected and submitted to the wing commander for approval.
 
"SNR's were asked to look in their air force and see if they had an ENJJPT pilot that has done something special in their career," said Royal Netherlands Air Force Lt. Col. Frits Beenhakker, SNR.
 
The SNR serves as the liaison between ENJJPT and their national air staffs. They are responsible for managing the instructor pilots and students from their respective nations at Sheppard.

German Air Force Maj. Gen. Helmut Schuetz, former chairman of the steering committee, presented the award honoring Tankink to Col. Lance Bunch, 80th Flying Training wing commander during the concluding remarks of the 67th semi-annual Steering Committee conference here. Award recipients receive a display summarizing their accomplishments. This honor is placed amongst fellow ENJJPT Stars recipients in the 80th Operations Group building at Sheppard.
 
"The idea is not just to honor the pilot, but to make him a role model to all pilots," Beenhakker said. "It shows what ENJJPT stands for."