An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

19th Air Force command team visits ENJJPT

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Elizabeth Notice
  • 80th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, commander of the 19th Air Force, and Chief Master Sgt. Keith Scott, command chief of the 19th Air Force, visited the 80th Flying Training Wing from Oct. 2-4.

During their visit, Kreuder and Scott gained insight into the operations of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program and engaged with the leadership and airmen who execute the mission. The 80th FTW hosts the ENJJPT program and plays a critical role in supporting the development of NATO's combat pilots.

“Our ability to produce top-tier combat pilots for NATO heavily depends on ENJJPT and the 80th Flying Training Wing, which could not be successful without tremendous support from the 82nd Training Wing,” Kreuder said.

One of the first stops during the visit was a briefing on the recent ENJJPT Steering Committee 88, which convened in Lisbon, Portugal. The Steering Committee provides strategic guidance, ensuring the program's alignment with the operational needs of the 14 NATO partner nations involved.

“The multinational collaboration not only strengthens the quality of training at ENJJPT, but also reinforces NATO’s collective commitment to mission readiness,” said Col. Jeffrey Shulman, 80th FTW commander.

Kreuder and Scott were briefed on the future of undergraduate pilot training, syllabus innovations, and supply chain challenges impacting ENJJPT.

To explore further innovation taking place at the 80th FTW, Maj. Seth Hyde, the 80th FTW A5/9, demonstrated the Recurring Aviator Data and Reporting, (RADAR) model, a digital tool that provides commanders with real-time insights into instructor pilot productivity and utilization across various training programs.  

A model only used at ENJJPT and created by Capt. Mark Gerken, the 80th FTW A5/9 deputy, this user-friendly system delivers up-to-date information with minimal maintenance, allowing leadership to effectively monitor and optimize instructor pilot resources. By enhancing both the training environment and operational efficiency, RADAR supports the overall mission of producing top-tier NATO combat pilots. 

“Innovations like this highlight that our amazing Airmen are our most vital center of gravity- they are keeping our Air Force on the cutting edge,” Kreuder said.

Kreuder and Scott toured the Radar Approach Control System and the tower, where airmen manage air traffic and ensure the safe flow of aircraft through all stages of flight.

“Our air traffic controllers and support teams are the backbone of this operation,” Scott said. “Their precision ensures the safety and success of every sortie. It’s their expertise and dedication that allow us to maintain the high standards necessary to meet our mission objectives.”

Kreuder and Scott also visited the CRAFT program, which promotes comprehensive readiness for all trainees. The 80th FTW emphasizes physical fitness and wellness through initiatives like CRAFT, which is integrated into the program to enhance both the physical and mental resilience of pilots, equipping them to handle the demands of operational flying.

“Our visit served as a powerful reminder of the importance of the NATO mission and how critically important this alliance is in our era of Great Power Competition,” Kreuder said. “From the international partnerships that make ENJJPT possible to the dedication of our Airmen, the 80th FTW and ENJJPT program are vital elements in developing the warfighters the U.S. and our Allies need.”

For more information on ENJJPT, visit https://www.sheppard.af.mil/Units/80th-Flying-Training-Wing/.