As Deputy Chief of Staff Joint Force Trainer of NATO Allied Command Transformation, based in Norfolk (Virginia), Major General Stefano Salamida arrived at Sheppard Air Force Base, home since 1980 of the international Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) programme, on Wednesday 2 May, for an official visit.
The General was welcomed by Lieutenant Colonel Del Vecchio, Commander of the Italian Air Force Representation (RAMi) and Senior National Representative for Italy in the ENJJPT programme, who accompanied him during a three-day intensive visit.
The authority conducted two important job interviews with the military leaders of the US Air Force present at Sheppard, Colonel Scott Belanger, Vice Commander of the air base (82nd Training Wing) and Colonel Andrea Themely, Wing Commander of ENJJPT (80th Flight Training Wing), as well as representatives (Senior National Representative – SNR) of the 14 nations participating in the ENJJPT programme.
The meeting with all the personnel of the Air Force Representation was very significant, to whom he addressed words of esteem and appreciation for the important work that is carried out daily in such a relevant international context. In particular, he encouraged the young pilots of the Air Force Academy to continue their challenging but exciting flight training with willpower and determination.
Sheppard Air Base is under the command of Air Force Schools - 3rd Air Force Region of Bari. Established in 1984, its mission is to represent the Italian Air Force within the ENJJPT (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training) programme, contributing to the training of young pilots from all nations participating in the programme, as well as Italian officers who, after graduating from the Air Force Academy, continue their flight training in a highly selective and competitive international environment.
