MOODY AIR FORCE BASE — Col. Jeff Shivnen assumed command of the 479th Flying Training Group during a ceremony Monday at Moody Air Force Base.

Shivnen became the second commander of the unit since its activation at Moody in July 2000. His predecessor, Col. Gregory Feest, had assumed command of the unit that would train future fighter pilots in the Introduction to Fighter Fundamental course to the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and foreign countries. In addition, the 479th FTG has the responsibility of the Undergraduate Pilot Training course using the T-6A Texan II aircraft.

Maj. Gen. James Sandstrom, commander, 19th Air Force, Air Education and Training command, was the guest speaker for Monday’s ceremony. Commanding the 479th requires an individual to have big shoes, and Shivnen is the individual to fill those shoes, Sandstrom said.

“Today we welcome a new leader who will take the unit to greater lengths in the days and years to come,” Sandstrom said. “He is the right leader at the right time. Under his leadership, the 479th will continue to build and train the best pilots in the world’s best Air Force.”

Shivnen has been in the Air Force for 21 years and has had 14 assignments. In the two days he has been at Moody AFB, he has already seen the unique relationship that exists between the base and the Valdosta community.

“It’s been more than I expected,” Shivnen said. “I already feel I have neighbors as friends.”

Shivnen said his plan for the 479th is to watch it grow. The unit isn’t complete, and there are still aircraft to be added to the inventory. Currently the 479th has about two-thirds of its aircraft now at Moody. There are additional T-38 and T-6A aircraft scheduled to arrive, and the unit should have its full complement by June, according to 479th FTG officials.

Shivnen said he is relying on the experience of the members of the 479th, which consists of four flying training squadrons and one training support squadron.

Shivnen’s previous assignment was as deputy director, Ranges, Airspace and Airfield Operations Division, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, Va. His new assignment gives him, as a pilot, the opportunity to fly again. Shivnen, a command pilot, has 2,530 hours of flying time with 2,300 hours in the F-15 and F-4.

“I’m really pleased to be flying again,” Shivnen said.

During the next couple of weeks, the new commander will be checked out in the T-38, an aircraft he has flown before.

Shivnen’s first impression of Moody AFB is positive.

“Since I’ve been stationed here, I’ve sensed something extra,” he said.



To contact reporter Rip Prine, please call 244-3400, ext. 237.