Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visits 53d Wing

U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Eshkenazi, F-15EX Test Director for the 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron, performs preflight procedures for the F-15EX with Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, December 11, 2025. During his visit, Lohmeier gained valuable insights from the 84th TES and 85th TES to help inform future decisions regarding the platform. The future F-15 fleet will complement 5th generation aircraft, bringing substantial additional capacity for over-sized long-range fires, sensors, and electronic warfare capabilities to defend critical locations in highly contested areas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. M. Ryan Goss)

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visits 53d Wing

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sebastian Herrera tactical aircraft maintenance journeyman of the 40th Flight Test Squadron signals to Maj. Aaron Eshkenazi, F-15EX Test Director for the 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron and Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier as they prepare for flight in the F-15EX at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, December 11, 2025. The F-15EX features affordability, speed, range, heavy-weapon payload capacity, next generation survivability and networking capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. M. Ryan Goss)

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visits 53d Wing

An F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53d Wing, takes flight out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, December 11, 2025, with Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier, and Maj. Aaron Eshkenazi, F-15EX Test Director for the 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron. The F-15EX features affordability, speed, range, heavy-weapon payload capacity, next generation survivability and networking capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. M. Ryan Goss)

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visits 53d Wing

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier and U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Eshkenazi, are greeted by Senior Airman Sebastian Herrera journeyman (right) and Staff Sgt. Ryan Greenburg (left) tactical aircraft maintenance craftsman of the 40th Flight Test Squadron as they head to the F-15EX to prepare for flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, December 11, 2025. The future F-15 fleet will complement 5th generation aircraft, bringing substantial additional capacity for over-sized long-range fires, sensors, and electronic warfare capabilities to defend critical locations in highly contested areas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. M. Ryan Goss)

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visits 53d Wing

U.S. Air Force Airman Hunter Goodridge, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, aircrew flight equipment (AFE) apprentice, assists Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier in preparation for his F-15EX Eagle II familiarization flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, December 11, 2025. AFE troops manage life-saving gear (helmets, parachutes, masks, survival kits) and ensure its meticulous readiness, directly enabling aircrew survival and mission success by preventing equipment failure, supporting training, and allowing aviators to focus on mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. M. Ryan Goss)

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visits 53d Wing

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan McCabe, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, aircrew flight equipment (AFE) craftsman, assists Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier, as he adjusts his helmet in preparation for his F-15EX Eagle II familiarization flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, December 11, 2025. AFE troops manage life-saving gear (helmets, parachutes, masks, survival kits) and ensure its meticulous readiness, directly enabling aircrew survival and mission success by preventing equipment failure, supporting training, and allowing aviators to focus on mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. M. Ryan Goss)

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visits 53d Wing

Published Dec. 15, 2025

“It may look like the same aircraft, but it’s truly brand new - it has better engines, a far more capable sensor suite, a larger weapons loadout - I’m convinced it’s an indispensable companion to our fleet of 5th gen aircraft.”

- Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier