HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico – A new commander took the reins of the German air force Tactical Training USA Command here during a change of command ceremony, March 13, 2019.
Col. Werner Theisen assumed command of the organization from Col. Stephan Breidenbach in front of families, Airmen and local leaders. Maj. Gen. Dr. Jan Kuebart, GAF Flying Units commander, presided over the ceremony.
“Colonel Theisen, starting today, you will be the new commander of GAF Tactical Training Command,” the general said. “You will initially have to focus on re-establishing the Tactical Training Command at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and ensuring a seamless continuation of operations. All of this with a sizeable amount of new staff.”
After 27 years in southern New Mexico, the German Luftwaffe ceased flight training at Holloman and the TTC will soon complete its transition to Sheppard.
“On Friday, I am heading towards Texas,” Theisen said. “For those who remain here, that does not mean out of sight equals out of mind. I will keep a close eye on Holloman to support you and my current plans are to revisit Holloman twice, once in June and once in September.”
Theisen said he is thankful for the support Breidenbach provided as the change of command approached.
While Breidenbach will be leaving Holloman to his new post as air attaché in London, he said all the German soldiers are sad to leave.
“I don’t think there is a single German soldier who is not sad that our time at Holloman is coming to an end and all of us are leaving with a heavy heart,” he said. “It is great to see that the feelings are mutual. In many talks and speeches, I heard our American friends voice their regret about us leaving.”
The GAF TTC is in the process of moving to Sheppard AFB, which should be completed by December 2019. The TTC is responsible for all GAF programs in the United States including administrative support for the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program at Sheppard, as well as some weapon system officer training at NAS Pensacola, Florida; pilot screening at Goodyear, Arizona; GAF helicopter training at Fort Rucker, Alabama; and liaison officers in the U.S. The TTC also oversees one program in Canada.
The GAF Flying Training Center, which conducts pilot and WSO training to teach GAF Airmen to fly the Tornado fighter-bomber, will return to Germany.