Sheppard Air Force Base The host unit on Sheppard Air Force Base is the 82nd Training Wing whose mission makes it the most diversified training base in the Air Education Training Command. For more than 70 years, the men and women of Sheppard AFB have ensured that America's Airmen have the skills they need to succeed in combat. Today, Sheppard's training influence reaches around the globe. The 82nd Training Wing produced more than 60,000 graduates in 2013 in nearly 1,000 courses, including aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, nuclear and conventional munitions, aerospace ground equipment, avionics and telecommunications specialties. Sheppard Air Force Base History Named in honor of Senator Morris Sheppard, former chairman of the Senate Military Affairs Committee, Sheppard Air Force Base was activated Oct. 17, 1941, and provided aircrew and aircraft mechanics training during World War II. Today, Sheppard is the largest and most diverse training base in Air Education and Training Command--the only Air Force base that is home to both technical and flying training. Combat Capability Starts Here Sheppard is home to the Air Force's largest technical training wing and the world's only internationally manned and managed flying training program. Sheppard trains pilots and maintainers as well as the propulsion, avionics maintenance, flight equipment, fuels, munitions and aerospace ground equipment specialists needed to keep planes in the air, and the civil engineers, plumbers, telecommunications specialists and electricians needed to keep our bases running. Local Community Sheppard's success would not be possible without community leaders and citizens of North Texas. Sheppard is thrilled to have such a supportive and proactive area surrounding the base. The community has been recognized by Air Education and Training Command and was presented the Altus Trophy for Outstanding Community Support. Sheppard Snapshot Graduates Annually: 62,000 Economic Impact: $803 Million Courses Taught: 900+ Sorties Annually: 55,000 In Physical Assets: $21.6B Detached Units Across the Globe: 61 Meals Served Annually: 2.3M Daily Population: 15,000