Former 412th Test Wing vice commander Schott retires

  • Published
  • By Laura Motes
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

Base leadership, family and friends came together at Club Muroc to celebrate the career and accomplishments of Col. Jason Schott during his retirement ceremony June 14. The 412th Test Wing’s former vice commander retires after more than 25 years of active duty service.

Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, presided over the ceremony.

“This is a sad day for me,” said Schaefer. “It’s a day I did not want to see come, but it is a celebration day for this family.”

The general introduced the Schott family and thanked them for all their support throughout the years and gave a special thank you to the parents of Schott.

“When you see a son or daughter here in the air force celebrating this kind of milestone, they have already arrived with core values of integrity, service, excellence in all they do,” he said. “I want to thank you for allowing him to serve his nation in the one percent that raised their hands to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Schott received his commission in 1993 as a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He served as an instructor pilot, flight examiner and developmental test pilot. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards and a command pilot with more than 2,800 flying hours in over 30 aircraft variants.

As 412th TW vice commander, he supervised and synchronized the mission activity of 30 groups, divisions and wing staff agencies. Leading the Air Force’s second largest base, he oversaw 11,000 military, government civilian and contractor employees.

Schott thanked everyone for coming to celebrate his retirement.

“The fact that you would take time out of your busy day is very meaningful to me. You honor me and my family by being here.”

At the end of the ceremony the vice commander made some closing remarks.

“I’m proud to have served with all of you,” said Schott. “I know that at this time of my life I need to achieve a different balance in my life, but you’re going to carry out the important work because America is an ideal that’s worth sacrificing for.”