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The Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" train at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in Jan. 2024. The Thunderbirds practice at Edwards AFB every year during winter, which allows the team to rehearse the show prior to kickstarting the season in March. (Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)
This year's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This annual feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force including the 96th Test Wing's climatic lab and firefighters.
The Air Force Test Center is modernizing how it tests by modernizing how it manages data. Test and evaluation is generating larger volumes of information at faster rates as systems become more software-defined, networked and data-heavy. AFTC’s Next Generation Data Ecosystem, known as NGDE, is designed to connect data, tools and teams across the center so test results can move more quickly from collection to analysis to decision. The 2025 National Security Strategy underscores why that pace matters, calling for investments that preserve U.S. advantages in “AI, quantum computing, and autonomous systems,” along with the energy required to power those domains. It also emphasizes maintaining U.S. leadership in technology and standards, “particularly in AI, biotech, and quantum computing.”
The Civilian Development program offers a portfolio of educational and leadership training opportunities for civilians at all levels. Programs range from long-term academic and terminal degree offerings to short, targeted courses focused on leadership and specific skill development.
The Department of the Air Force’s World Class Athlete Program continues to make waves across national and international competitions, with athletes delivering standout performances as they pursue Olympic dreams for the 2026 games in Italy and 2028 games in Los Angeles. “Our WCAP athletes are progressing well with their training while also representing the Air and Space Forces at competitions nationally and internationally,” said Dale Filsell, DAF WCAP program manager. Summer Success at National Championships At the 2025 USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon July 31-Aug. 3, four WCAP athletes competed, with three earning top national honors: Senior Airman Daniel Michalski claimed the National Runner-up title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, clocking 8:26.77, just 0.19 seconds behind the Paris Olympics silver medalist. Airman 1st Class Nick Christie became the 2025 USA Track & Field National Champion in the 20,000-meter racewalk with a time of 1:24.56. Airman 1st Class Donovan Banks narrowly missed a podium finish, placing 4th in the javelin with a throw of 76.36 meters.
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and near-peer competition, the U.S. Air and Space Forces face an increasingly complex battlespace. Victory is no longer determined by singular platforms, but by a web of interconnected, multi-domain systems that must be developed, tested, and fielded at the speed of relevance. Recognizing this paradigm shift, the Air Force Test Pilot School has undertaken one of the most significant curriculum transformations in its history, centered on the vital pillar of test leadership. The school's modernized mission is to create "Testers, Leaders, Thinkers, and Innovators" in the mold of trailblazers like Gen. Jimmy Doolittle—individuals who possess not only unparalleled technical acumen but also the strategic vision and leadership prowess to navigate the intricate landscape of modern defense acquisition and capability development. “Warfighting capabilities are becoming increasingly complex and integrated, with many programs and stakeholders that must work together across domains. This reality is the driving force behind the school's focus on developing graduates who can lead integrated, high-stakes programs from their first assignment to the highest echelons of the Department of Defense,” said Col. James Valpiani, former commandant, Air Force Test Pilot School.
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- This is the 716th Test Squadron of the Arnold Engineering and Development Complex, the Department of Defense's epicenter for wind tunnel testing. Their mission: transforming data into air dominance. They achieve this through rigorous testing and analysis at the Nation’s premier wind tunnel facilities.
EGLIIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- For the first time, Defense Department civilians joined their enlisted counterparts at Eglin’s Airman Leadership School for Class 25A for the first time last month. This new professional military education initiative that began in July, brought Rebecca Phillips and Erin Stockslager into the classroom with future NCOs for lessons in Air Force culture, leadership philosophies, administrative duties, writing and fitness. “The opportunity to attend PME was an experience I couldn’t turn down,” said Stockslager, a 96th Force Support Squadron guidance counselor. “There is no substitute for being in the room.” For Phillips, a 96th FSS deployment manager and career civilian, she said she wanted to attend to help Airmen any way she could, not just with deployments. She also sought a chance to improve her public speaking. The ALS course and curriculum, including the public speaking, did not change for its new students. They participated in all functions of the class including the physical training sessions and received grades on their projects and tests. The only difference was having a civilian perspective during the classroom discussions, according to Master Sgt. Felicia Cangemi, ALS commandant. Both civilians said the course deepened their understanding of the military and the roles of Airmen within Air Force life.
New air-to-surface weapon achieves milestone release EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A tactical air-to-surface missile, known as the Stand-in Attack Weapon, successfully released from a 40th Flight Test Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon for the first time Nov. 7 over the Gulf of Mexico. The goal of the test was to prove the new weapon could separate from an aircraft successfully, a major milestone, so further testing can begin. The new SiAW missile is designed to provide strike capability against rapidly relocatable targets like cruise and antiship missile launchers and jamming platforms. The test missile used, called a jettison test vehicle, contained no rocket motor or internal electronics. The JTV is a tool used specifically to determine whether the weapon safely separates from the aircraft upon commanded release. This milestone test brought together a host of 96th Test Wing units to coordinate, monitor and execute this mission. Test conductors planned and controlled the mission out of the Eglin Central Control Facility. Engineers monitored the separation and will conduct post-flight analysis soon. Pilots and photographers flew the mission and captured the aerial test footage. The Air Force Armament Directorate is responsible for SiAW program. “Successful execution of this test was a testament to the outstanding teamwork from everyone involved,” said Maj. James Tipton, 780th Test Squadron assistant director of operations.
Help available this holiday season As the holiday season approaches, a time of joy for some but challenges for others, Team Eglin’s Helping Agency Team has resilience awareness resources. “Our goal is to bring a smile to everyone’s face while reminding them helping agencies are here to support them,” said Lindsey Sharpe, 96th Test Wing Integrated Prevention & Resiliency Office chief. “Even the smallest acts can make a significant difference, especially those stressful times, during the holiday season.” This base wide commitment to mental health and well-being aligns with the Defense’s ongoing efforts to address suicide prevention, raise awareness, and connect the military community with essential resources.
