53rd Wing Welcomes New Commander

Published July 11, 2025
By Capt. Christopher Carranza
53rd Wing Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The 53rd Wing, a subordinate of Air Combat Command, held a change of command ceremony July 11, 2025, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, officially welcoming Col. Scott A. Gunn as the new wing commander. Gunn succeeds Col. Daniel J. Lehoski, who has led the wing since July 2023.

Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Niemi, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, presided over the event which was attended by Airmen, civilian Airmen, family members, and local community leaders.

In his final address as commander, Lehoski reflected on the accomplishments of the wing during his tenure.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the men and women of the 53rd Wing,” said Lehoski. “Together, we’ve tackled numerous complex test and evaluation challenges, ensuring our warfighters have the most capable systems at their fingertips in the shortest amount of time. I leave with immense pride in all we have achieved.”

Col. Gunn, who most recently served as Deputy Director, Force Design, Integration, and Wargaming, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures, brings extensive knowledge and experience into operational test, evaluation, and combat readiness.

“I’m incredibly humbled and honored to take command of the 53rd Wing,” said Gunn. “This wing represents the cutting edge of combat capability. I look forward to building on an already strong legacy of innovation, collaboration, and mission excellence. Together, we will continue to sharpen the spear for the warfighter.”

The 53rd Wing is responsible for operational testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems for the Air Force, joint, and coalition partners. Its mission is to provide trusted, unbiased assessments that shape the future of air combat capabilities.

The wing is comprised of three groups, employs more than 1,600 Airmen, with 25 distinct platforms spread across 16 geographically separated locations throughout the U.S. Its Airmen develop and validate tactics, techniques, and procedures that directly affect U.S. and allied air superiority.

As the 53rd Wing looks to the future under new leadership, the focus remains: enhancing warfighter lethality through rigorous testing and evaluation.

“The fight is evolving rapidly, and so must we,” Gunn said. “I’m confident this team is ready to meet that challenge, and I’m proud to serve alongside each of you.”