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Leaders to converge on Sheppard for AETC spring meeting

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard Air Force Base is set to welcome the annual Air Education and Training Command Spring Commander's Conference Feb. 28-March 3.

The week-long event is designed to give senior leaders across the command the opportunity to get together to discuss critical issues. This will be the first conference for its host, AETC commander, Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr.

Brig. Gen. Darryl W. Burke, 82nd Training Wing commander, said being the host installation for the conference is an honor and presents an opportunity to educate AETC's senior leaders about Sheppard's vital training missions.

"AETC is all about one thing, and that's preparing Airmen to serve their nation," General Burke said. "Sheppard's two wings are a huge part of that mission. The 82nd Training Wing is by far the largest technical training operation in the Air Force, with 80,000 graduates annually in nearly 1,000 courses. The 80th Flying Training Wing has trained 6,100 combat pilots for the NATO Alliance over the past 30 years and builds the long-term international partnerships that form the foundation for effective coalition air operations."

In addition to discussing the challenges and issues facing the command in the coming months, conference attendees will get some hands-on experience with Airmen in Training. One afternoon of the conference features a Sheppard mission tour where senior leaders will work on aircraft engines, do some plumbing and electrical work and then get some flight simulator time.

Another conference highlight is the joint civic leader dinner, an opportunity for AETC leaders to experience firsthand the outstanding community support Sheppard receives from North Texas.

Topics at previous conferences included the incorporation of "innovation" to the command's core competencies, review of the flying training syllabus and increasing the basic military training requirement by two weeks.

"This command sets the foundation for every Airman's career, whether enlisted, commissioned or civilian," General Burke said. "This conference gives leadership the opportunity to evaluate where we are, address key issues and map out a way ahead.

"This is a great opportunity for Sheppard Air Force Base to shine," General Burke said. "I ask everyone's support in making sure the base looks good, that we show the appropriate customs and courtesies and that we take exceptional care of our guests. I want my AETC peers to leave here knowing what I know: that Sheppard is the Air Force's premier training base."