Warfare Center leaders visit Eglin AFB

Published Sept. 10, 2024
By 1st Lt. Rebecca Abordo
53rd Wing Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center’s command team visited Eglin Air Force Base on August 27 to witness how the 53rd Wing is operationally testing, evaluating, and optimizing war-winning capabilities.

Operating as Air Combat Command’s sole test and evaluation wing, the 53rd Wing drives the USAFWC’s mission by delivering integrated tactical and operational solutions to warfighters across the globe.

“Technology trends are evolving rapidly,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi, USAFWC commander. “At the Warfare Center, and particularly within the 53rd Wing, we play a critical role in assessing these changes and determining their implications for future combat.”

The USAFWC command team learned how the wing is accelerating operational test by utilizing the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE). During his visit, Niemi and his team were briefed on weapons test updates, advancements in the JSE and long range kill chain optimization.

The leaders also discussed key takeaways from premier joint exercises such as Bamboo Eagle, Black Flag and Virtual Black Flag. These discussions focused on the lessons learned and how they can be applied to improve testing within the Test Flag Enterprise.

“To a large degree, our equipment, processes and tactics were designed for asymmetric warfare,” said Niemi. “Our current focus is on developing capabilities that are fundamentally different and capable of addressing any potential conflict.”

Niemi concluded the visit with an all-call for members of the 53rd Wing, emphasizing the importance of the operational test mission in addressing the pacing challenge posed by China and other adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The potential for conflict in the Indo-Pacific region represents a fundamental shift from challenges we’ve faced in decades,” said Niemi. “It is imperative that our Air Force adapts to the evolving landscape of weapons systems to address today’s realities.”