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  • XP-59A Airacomet America's First Jet Aircraft - 1943 — at Edwards Air Force Base.

    In The Western Skies

    This weekend marked two milestones in our nation’s history, both with a nexus here in the Aerospace Valley.
  • The Edwards AFB TEDx team pose for a group photo at the Benefield Anechoic Facility on Edwards Air Force Base, California, Nov. 12. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

    Ten days at the Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe

    Nearly a year ago, I shared the scope and scale of activities that took place during a single weekend at Edwards Air Force Base. It is time to do so again, this time focusing on the activities that have taken place in the last ten days here at The Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe.
  • Veterans, family members and volunteers attended the Memorial Day weekend ceremony, which featured local Kern County Cub Scouts and volunteers placing flags at the graves of past servicemembers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula)

    Happy Veterans Day

    Team Test Wing, The end of World War I is commonly understood as the inspiration for our #VeteransDay. On 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns fell silent and the war officially ended. Yet, I believe that the spirit of Veterans Day in America began well before then.

  • AFMC Unit Effectiveness Inspection

    Next week is our AFMC Unit Effectiveness Inspection. Per my guidance, we have intentionally not spun-up for the event. After all, we perform our mission in accordance with Air Force guidance and directives every day, and the inspection should be a reflection of our regular performance that is already highly effective. If anything, this inspection is yet another part of our journey to constantly improve … for the warfighter.

  • Divorce Facts and Procedure

    The holidays are often a time of light and cheer. However, for many this time can highlight troubles in relationships. Although not pleasant to think about, it is important to know your rights in a divorce, and the additional protections available for military members and dependents.
  • Illegal dumping

    Think before you throw

    It would seem like containers full of gasoline, and gunpowder would be a no brainer, but it’s pretty common to find gasoline and used motor oil in the trash; once, we actually did find a container of gunpowder that had been tossed into the trash. This is a big safety concern as well as a potential hazard to the environment. Because of the potential environmental impact, Edwards Air Force Base is required to send quarterly reports to the California Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, 412th Test Wing Commander, gives a high-five to a Team Edwards member at Edwards Air Force Base, California, June 18. Teichert and 412th Test Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Ian Eishen visited the 412th Maintenance Group Weapons Team to learn about their jobs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula)

    Throwback Commentary: Testing Efficacy: The Substantial Influence of Test Professionals

    The crux of our impact is the enviable position of test in the life-cycle of a weapon system or strategic concept. While operators are involved with their weapon system when it is already established and fraught with the inertia that makes change difficult, testers deal with weapon systems at a stage with far fewer momentum pitfalls.
  • Fireworks light up the sky at the Summer Bash at Wings Field, July 4. Patriotic music such as the Air Force Song and the Star Spangled Banner accompanied the 20-minute show.(U.S. Air Force photo by Laura Motes)

    Fireworks Safety

    The Fourth of July is a wonderful time! Family and friends gather to enjoy barbecues, picnics and beautiful fireworks displays. Unfortunately it is also a time when many people will experience injuries and cause damage to property by using fireworks. Please take a few minutes to read the following information to ensure you and your family have a safe and happy 4th of July.
  • Assault landing, one of the first waves at Omaha. The Coast Guard caption identifies the unit as Company E, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of Center of Military History)

    Hold It High

    A little over a hundred years ago, Western Europe experienced its own super bloom. In the middle of the brutal conditions of World War I, beautiful poppies covered the battlefields and even the hastily dug graves of fallen soldiers.
  • The summer of 2019 is officially “The Summer of Waivers” at Edwards AFB. All members are encouraged to identify opportunities to seek waivers to improve mission effectiveness at the Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe. When done right with a focus on risk management, common sense waiving of provisions can enhance the 412 TW’s ability to support the Warfighter and makes the AF as a whole a more effective force. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Giancarlo Casem)

    How to Write a Waiver During “The Summer of Waivers”

    The summer of 2019 is officially “The Summer of Waivers” at Edwards AFB. All members are encouraged to identify opportunities to seek waivers to improve mission effectiveness at the Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe. When done right with a focus on risk management, common sense waiving of provisions can enhance the 412 TW’s ability to support the Warfighter and makes the AF as a whole a more effective force.
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