July 13, 2022 Ploetz takes command of 82nd Training Group The 82nd Training Group welcomed new leadership July 8, 2022, when Col. Charles G. Ploetz took command of the organization known as Aircraft Maintenance University. Col. John C. Lofton the III relinquished command.
July 6, 2022 Lofton set to retire after 30 years of service 82nd Training Group Commander Col. John C. Lofton III's Air Force journey will end where it began as he is set to hang up his uniform and leave the Air Force from the very place he started more than 30 years ago. He will relinquish command during a ceremony on July 7, 2022, and retire on a later
July 16, 2020 Lofton returns to Sheppard, takes command of 82nd TRG Col. John C. Lofton III took command of the 82nd Training Group on July 15, 2020, during a ceremony at Sheppard. He replaced Col. Michael Donahue II, who held the position for three years.