The 80th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base has a new commander.
Col. Mitchell “Lucky” Cok assumed command last week of the 80th FTW — host to the only internationally manned and managed pilot-training program on the planet producing fighter pilots for the NATO alliance.
Cok began serving as deputy commander of the 80th FTW in July. A graduate of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program at Sheppard, he is no stranger to the base or Wichita Falls.
Among his past assignments at SAFB, he has served as commander of the 88th Fighter Training Squadron where student-pilots take introduction to fighter fundamentals.
The ceremony to mark the change of command was March 7, according to SAFB.
The former commander of the 80th FTW, Col. Brad “NARCO” Orgeron, was summoned early for his next assignment. Orgeron began serving as commander of the unit in June 2022.
Trish Choate is serving as the interim editor for the Wichita Falls Times Record News, San Angelo Standard-Times and Abilene Reporter-News . Contact Trish with news tips at [email protected]. Read her recent work here. Her X handle is @Trishapedia.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: New commander takes helm at 80th FTW at Sheppard Air Force Base
David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
