Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a bill to establish a new Air Force Technical Training Center of Excellence (COE) at Sheppard Air Force Base (AFB) in Wichita Falls, Texas. The establishment of the Technical Training COE at Sheppard AFB aims to enhance Air Force readiness by centralizing and improving its technical training capabilities. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.

Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz stated, "Strengthening Sheppard AFB’s role in centralizing and enhancing the Air Force’s technical training capabilities will strengthen America’s national security. This state-of-the-art training center will position Texas as a leader in military and technical training, drive investment to support our nation’s Airmen, and allow the military to adapt training priorities to meet current and future demands."

Texas’ Sheppard AFB is home to the Air Force's largest technical training wing, the 82nd Training Wing, as well as the 80th Flying Training Wing, which is recognized as the world's only internationally manned and managed flying training program.

Sheppard AFB trains pilots and maintainers along with specialists in propulsion, avionics maintenance, flight equipment, fuels, munitions, aerospace ground equipment, civil engineering, plumbing, telecommunications, and electrical fields. It graduates more than 65,000 Airmen annually across roughly 1,000 courses spanning 73 career fields.