Maj. Gen. Solo visits the 80th Flying Training Wing Published Dec. 1, 2011 By 2nd Lieutenant Sara Harper 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Maj. Gen. Mark Solo, 19th Air Force commander, paid a quick visit to the 80th Flying Training Wing for a look at new facilities and a chance to speak to members of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training team Nov. 30. The general was accompanied by his wife, Patricia, and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams, 19th Air Force command chief. This was the general's fifth visit to the 80th Flying Training Wing since taking command of the 19th AF in July of 2010. Over the past two years, the ENJJPT campus has grown with the building of a new operations group facility. "The biggest change I have seen is the construction that's underway," said Solo. "It's nice to see a structured form, and I had a great tour." In addition to a mission brief, an office call and facility tours, the general hosted an All Call for Team ENJJPT in the Wing Auditorium where he presented three command level safety awards. During the All Call Solo took time to discuss the impact that restructuring will have on 19th AF, budget concerns and the future. When talking about the restructuring of the Air Force the general was very direct. "Nineteenth Air Force along with two other numbered Air Forces will dissolve. This is part of the Air Force's effort to consolidate," Solo said. "The goal and my commitment to you is to make it largely seamless." When speaking about expected effects of current fiscal challenges, the general was reassuring while being clear that changes will have to be made. "No doubt, this is a challenging time, but we will get through this," said the general. "We have to innovate. We are looking at the way we train people and it will have to be different in the future. It is forcing us to become better and more efficient." Regardless of the widespread changes occurring across our Air Force, the importance of building international partnerships and fostering those relationships for the future remains. "We are working in a coalition environment, and if we fight, we are going to fight in coalitions; we will have partners, allies and friends," Solo said. In all his time spent at Sheppard, what impressed the general the most was the resiliency and enthusiasm in the Airmen that never seems to wane. "All of my visits have been very positive, and the Airmen have a great attitude - that is what impresses me the most. Airmen who know what their mission is and they are committed to doing it right."