67th ENJJPT Steering Committee wraps up

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Ava Margerison
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  More than 50 representatives from the 13 Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program partner nations wrapped up the 67th semi-annual Steering Committee meeting here March 14.

Renewing the current Memorandum of Understanding that provides the foundation for ENJJPT, which expires in 2016, was at the top of the list of priorities for the meeting.

"We all were very happy that we concluded with a mutual understanding that training at Sheppard can continue beyond 2016, until now 2026," said German Air Force Maj. Gen. Helmut Schuetz, chairman of the Steering Committee.

The ENJJPT program is the only internationally manned and managed pilot training program in the world and currently has 13 partner nations participating in the program: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.

Due to the unique nature of ENJJPT, the steering committee provides managerial oversight of the program to include planning operations, financial oversight and final approval of training policies.

"ENJJPT is the place where the NATO nations come together to train their fighter pilots. We produce the best fighter pilots right at Sheppard Air Force Base" said Schuetz.

As chairman, Schuetz was elected by the committee to serve an average of two years.

"It is a pleasure to work with all of these people. Everybody is dedicated to the program and all participants are working in one direction for a common goal," said Schuetz.

Schuetz finished his term as chairmen at the conclusion of this year's conference handing over the responsibilities to the incoming chairmen German Air Force Brig. Gen. Guenter Katz.

Katz also serves as the director of air operations in operations command in the Luftwaffe. He graduated from ENJJPT almost 30 years ago. Since then Katz has flown primarily the EuroFighter and F-4 E/F Phantom II.

"I feel honored and proud to be the chairmen. For me it's very special to work together with 12 other nations to overlook the program," said Katz.

Katz looks forward to his role in the future of ENJJPT as the next chairmen of the steering committee.

"We need to make sure we always tailor the program to what the fighter pilots will need," Katz said. "We must make sure the program evolves in the right direction in order to fulfill the requirements we will have in the future."

The Steering Committee location alternates between Sheppard and one of the participating partner nations. The next meeting is scheduled to be held this fall in Turkey.