It's great to be back

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Robert C. Nolan II
  • AFFTC commander
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Edwards, as we begin our tenure here at Edwards, Debbie and I thank you for the incredible change of command ceremony you provided.

It was an inspiring venue in Hangar 1600 on Oct. 5, from the impressive display of America's airpower that you've developed and refined throughout the years; to General Donald Hoffman, our AFMC commander, presiding; to the finest war-fighters the Air Force can claim standing tall in formation and in attendance side-by-side with our incredible Antelope Valley community leaders. It was a great day for my family and I, and our friends and relatives just couldn't say enough about the superb ceremony you made for us; we are truly grateful.

We also thank you for the heartfelt way you said farewell to the Eichhorns as they moved on to AFOTEC after more than three years of superb service to the Edwards community. Debbie and I thank General and Mrs. Eichhorn for their great service and we are very appreciative of the hard work they did on our behalf. We wish them all the best at Kirtland AFB and points beyond.

Returning to Edwards for me is simply the best. This is my first assignment back here since graduating from Test Pilot School and, walking around the base and being back with the people at the Flight Test Center, I am continually amazed at the diversity of activity and the high-tempo that everyone maintains.

Also, when you're looking at the Joint Strike Fighter, the X-47, and the hydrogen-powered Global Observer flying from the ramp, it just doesn't get any better for an aviator and test pilot. From one end of the flight line to the other, everyone at Edwards is doing great work. Without a doubt we have the best jobs in the Air Force!

We are excited and so grateful to be here and we thank you, the men and women of the Air Force Flight Test Center, for bringing us on in style. We look forward to working with you as we press towards the future.