Sheppard Air Force Base

Sheppard Air Force Base is located five miles north of Wichita Falls, Texas. Established in 1941 as Sheppard Field, the installation was named for Senator John Morris Sheppard. It initially served as a United States Army Air Corps training center, providing instruction for aviation mechanics, glider mechanics, and B-29 flight engineers during World War II. Following a period of deactivation starting in 1946, the site was transferred to the Department of the Air Force and reactivated in 1948. Between 1963 and 1975, the base hosted Strategic Air Command units, including the 494th Bombardment Wing and detachments of the 2nd Bombardment Wing, which operated B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.

Air Education and Training Command (AETC) operates the installation. The 82d Training Wing serves as the host unit, managing technical training across multiple disciplines through the 82d, 782d, and 982d Training Groups. This training supports personnel from all U.S. military branches, Department of Defense agencies, and foreign nations. The 80th Flying Training Wing administers the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program. This multinational program is staffed by personnel from member nations, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The 97th Flying Training Squadron of the Air Force Reserve Command also maintains a presence at the base.

The installation functions under a joint civil-military arrangement, sharing airfield facilities with Wichita Falls Municipal Airport. Hosted flying units operate T-6A Texan II and T-38C Talon aircraft, including the AT-38C variant. These aircraft are assigned to several squadrons, including the 88th Fighter Training Squadron and the 89th, 90th, 459th, and 469th Flying Training Squadrons. Technical training facilities support instruction in aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, communications, and medical services.