ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- For the past 75 years, the test facilities across Arnold Engineering Development Complex and the men and women responsible for their operations have left an indelible mark on American aerospace.
Since the Complex was dedicated by then-President Harry Truman on June 25, 1951, many renowned aircraft, engines and weapons systems have been pushed to their limits in AEDC test facilities on the ground to ensure they will not fail in the air.
To showcase its history and share its story, AEDC recently pulled back the curtain at its Arnold Air Force Base headquarters to give the public a rare, firsthand look at how the Complex has impacted and continues to impact national defense and warfighter safety. It also gave members of the community the opportunity to join in the revelry alongside the men and women of Arnold.
A public open house was held June 27 at Arnold AFB to coincide with the 75th anniversary of AEDC’s original dedication. The event featured plenty of fun, food, knowledge, celebration and ceremony.
“Before an aircraft dominates the sky, before a weapon strikes its target, before a space system reaches its orbit, it must survive the crucible of AEDC,” said Air Force Test Center Commander and former AEDC commander Maj. Gen. Scott Cain. “You prove the science. You validate the engineering. You ensure that when our forces go into harm’s way, their systems work per design.”
According to AEDC officials, approximately 8,000 people attended the open house.
To officially mark the beginning of the day’s festivities, outgoing AEDC Commander Col. Grant Mizell welcomed attendees to Arnold and provided a rundown of the open house offerings and schedule.
“We’re so happy and so honored to see so many friends, neighbors and partners here,” Mizell said. “For 75 years, this complex has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation, providing it time and time again. The future is faster than you think, and that’s our theme here today. And it is really the men and women of Team AEDC that create that effect every single day out here.
“I will say that none of that would be possible without the incredible support of our surrounding community members, you all who have come out today. Today is all about opening the gates, sharing our story with you.”
Following Mizell’s introduction, those in attendance witnessed an example of AEDC’s importance in aircraft development as an F-15E Strike Eagle from the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flew over the ceremony grounds in a display of airpower.
AEDC was involved heavily in the development of the F-15, including early testing that occurred prior to the Air Force’s final selection of the McDonnell Douglas design. Complex test facilities still support the aircraft, as accelerated mission testing on the F100 engine that powers the F-15 is ongoing.
“It has done extensive testing in our transonic large-scale wind tunnels and has more than 23,000 hours of testing here on Arnold Air Force Base, and that’s all variants of the F-15 and the Pratt & Whitney engine that powers it,” Mizell said. “In fact, the first use of computational fluid dynamics and modeling for aerodynamics in store separation was on this aircraft right here on this base.”
Additional stories from the Complex’s first 75 years were shared and displayed in the AEDC history tents set up on the grounds of the Administration & Engineering Building, which served as the hub for Saturday’s festivities.
Many of those in attendance took part in installation bus tours offered throughout the day to get a closer look at some of the facilities where much of AEDC’s work is performed and history is made.
Attendees could also enjoy live music throughout the day. Food trucks and craft vendors were set up to offer fare and wares. Younger attendees were able to visit the children’s “Fun Zone” that featured inflatables, trampolines, facepainting and a petting zoo.
Team members from numerous organizations, offices and departments that comprise AEDC manned informational tents set up throughout the event area to greet attendees and provide greater insight into their roles in the AEDC mission. Many area institutions and agencies were present to discuss the services they offer and how they support Arnold AFB.
A STEM zone gave attendees of all ages the chance to play while learning about science and technology.
Several ceremonies and recognitions occurred throughout the event. The newest class of Arnold AFB Honorary Commanders, made up of local civic and business leaders who will advocate for the base in their respective communities, was formally inducted.
The five 2026 AEDC Fellows program inductees were recognized by retired Air Force Maj. Gen. and former AEDC commander Mike Wiedemer. Managed by the Arnold Community Council, the AEDC Fellows program honors AEDC personnel who have made substantial and exceptionally distinguished contributions to the nation’s aerospace ground testing capability.
Special guests and other former AEDC commanders placed items into a time capsule. This time capsule will remain sealed and is to be opened on the 100th anniversary of AEDC in 2051.
Among the distinguished visitors in attendance was Tullahoma Mayor and former AEDC employee Lynn Sebourn who proclaimed June 27, 2026, as “Arnold Engineering Development Complex Day” in the city of Tullahoma.
To further commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Complex, AEDC was rededicated during the open house.
The public also had the opportunity to witness military tradition, as a Change of Command ceremony was held to conclude the open house event. During this ceremony, Mizell relinquished command of the Complex to incoming AEDC Commander Col. Wayne Dirkes.