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U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan visits Thunder Lab

  • Published
  • By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jared E. Walker
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan --  U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry toured the Afghan Air Force English immersion lab known as the "Thunder Lab" at Kabul, Afghanistan Feb. 23.

During his tour of the Thunder Lab Ambassador Eikenberry met the Afghan Air Force lieutenants, known as new Afghan Eagles, who live and train there. His tour of the Thunder Lab included visits to their living areas, classrooms, watching the AAF lieutenants train on flight simulators and participate in teambuilding exercise.

Ambassador Eikenberry was highly impressed during his visit to the Thunder Lab.

"I came out today to see the Thunder Lab because I heard a lot of great things about how the Thunder Lab provides an opportunity for the Afghan Lieutenants, with the total immersion environment, for them to increase their English language proficiency very rapidly," said Ambassador Eikenberry. "Because of that they don't to spend so much time at the training institute in the United States which is good for the lieutenants, good for Afghanistan and good for the United States."

He took time to praise the Afghan lieutenants on their accomplishments, dedication and hard work getting ready to go to further training in the U.S.

"The Afghans that are here are incredible and highly motivated young officers that are ready to go to the United States. Most importantly they are hungry to get in the cockpits of the aircraft they will be flying when they come back to serve their country," said Ambassador Eikenberry.

Members of the Afghan Air Force at the Thunder Lab were pleased that Ambassador Eikenberry visited.

"I am grateful that the ambassador visited today. He asked many questions about the Thunder Lab, the subjects we study, where we are from and how we came to be here," said 2nd Lt. Jamshid Baryalay an AAF Lieutenant and student at the Thunder Lab. "I like that he was trying to get to know us."