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U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham and Col. Matthew Bradley, former commander of the 53rd Wing, lead applause for Col. Daniel Lehoski, the new commander of the 53rd Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July. 21, 2023. Lehoski received his commission from Texas A&M University in 2000 and is a command pilot with more than 1,500 hours and has flown in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE and theater security packages worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Lindsey Heflin)

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U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham and Col. Matthew Bradley, former commander of the 53rd Wing, lead applause for Col. Daniel Lehoski, the new commander of the 53rd Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July. 21, 2023. Lehoski received his commission from Texas A&M University in 2000 and is a command pilot with more than 1,500 hours and has flown in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE and theater security packages worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Lindsey Heflin)
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53rd Wing Welcomes New Commander

  • Published
  • By Capt Lindsey Heflin
  • 53rd Wing
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 53rd Wing welcomed Col. Daniel Lehoski while bidding farewell to Col. Matthew Bradley during a change of command ceremony on July 21, 2023. The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham.
 
The ceremony was a momentous occasion, culminating a distinguished 26-year active-duty career for Bradley. During his speech, Bradley incorporated an authentic football analogy when describing the 53rd Wing’s role in combatting the pacing challenge.

Col. Daniel Lehoski, commander of the 53rd Wing, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July.21, 2023. Before taking command of the 53rd, Lehoski served as the Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. where he oversaw the training of expert tactical instructors and leaders focused on air, space, and cyber on behalf of the joint force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Lindsey Heflin)
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U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham congratulates Col. Matthew Bradley, the outgoing commander of the 53rd Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July. 21, 2023. The ceremony was a momentous occasion, culminating a distinguished 26-year active-duty career for Bradley. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Lindsey Heflin)
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“It may seem like we’re down 28-3 with two minutes left in the 3rd quarter, and we have the team we have,” said Bradley, stressing the importance of adjusting tactics short term while fielding newer technologies later. “We aren’t getting a new wide receiver that’s faster and taller or a running back that can’t be tackled, but we do have the drive to win, and the ability to adjust our tactics and ensure we interoperate better as a team.”
 
In his final address to the members of the 53rd Wing, Bradley commented that there was no better individual to take command than Lehoski. The new commander’s knowledge of the wing’s portfolio, experience in the virtual synthetic environment, and credible reputation and humble approach are all reasons that Bradley described Lehoski as the “right QB” to take over the team.
 
Before taking command of the 53rd, Lehoski served as the Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. where he oversaw the training of expert tactical instructors and leaders focused on air, space, and cyber on behalf of the joint force.
 
During his speech, Lehoski expressed his enthusiasm in taking command. Saying that while no one can predict the future or the next war, the 53rd Wing’s role within the fight cannot be understated. 
 
“Wherever and whenever the fight happens I have no doubt there will be a weapons system we have tested, a pilot we have evaluated, a tactic we developed and published, and most importantly a tactical advantage we delivered that will result in combat success,” said Lehoski. “I am excited to serve you as the new commander and can’t wait to see firsthand the exceptional work you do for our nation.”
 
Prior to the change of command, both leaders collaborated to write a co-authored paper titled “Test and Train to the Threat, or Die.” Within this piece, both Bradley and Lehoski address live-fly and synthetic/virtual test and training meeting the evolving needs of the Air Force.
 
Members of the 53rd Wing render a first salute to Col. Daniel Lehoski as a sign of respect, welcoming the new commander to the 53rd Wing during the change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July. 21, 2023.

Members of the 53rd Wing render a first salute to Col. Daniel Lehoski as a sign of respect, welcoming the new commander to the 53rd Wing during the change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July. 21, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mr. Dave Shelikoff)

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For more information, contact Capt Lindsey Heflin, Public Affairs Advisor for the 53rd Wing at 850-598-3283 or lindsey.heflin.1@us.af.mil.

The 53d Wing provides tactical advantage to the warfighter at the speed of relevance.

 
U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham and Col. Matthew Bradley, former commander of the 53rd Wing, lead applause for Col. Daniel Lehoski, the new commander of the 53rd Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July. 21, 2023. Lehoski received his commission from Texas A&M University in 2000 and is a command pilot with more than 1,500 hours and has flown in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE and theater security packages worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Lindsey Heflin)

230728-F-AA323-1006

U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham and Col. Matthew Bradley, former commander of the 53rd Wing, lead applause for Col. Daniel Lehoski, the new commander of the 53rd Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July. 21, 2023. Lehoski received his commission from Texas A&M University in 2000 and is a command pilot with more than 1,500 hours and has flown in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE and theater security packages worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Lindsey Heflin)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham and Col. Matthew Bradley, former commander of the 53rd Wing, lead applause for Col. Daniel Lehoski, the new commander of the 53rd Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July. 21, 2023. Lehoski received his commission from Texas A&M University in 2000 and is a command pilot with more than 1,500 hours and has flown in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE and theater security packages worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Lindsey Heflin)