Edwards Air Force Base

Published July 15, 2026 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs The Department of the Air Force conducted live-fire testing of a YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, firing an AIM-120 weapon at a digital target in secluded airspace over the Mojave Desert. A YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft conducting live-fire testing over the Mojave Desert, Calif.

Published July 14, 2026 By Charnan Williams Chochotte Air Force Test Center History Office In 1942, Staff Sgt. Norman Craig arrived in the seemingly bleak landscape of the Mojave Desert. Craig was stationed at the Muroc Army Airfield in the western corner of the desert, now named Edwards Air Force Base. With the warm wind whipping dust particles across his face, Craig was initially shocked. “Never shall I forget the scene of desolation which confronted me upon my arrival,” he confessed.

Published July 7, 2026 By Chase Kohler 412th Test Wing Public Affairs The Air Force Test Pilot School formally celebrated the graduation of Class 25B at Edwards Air Force Base, California, June 5. A total of 28 Airmen and Guardians became the newest test leaders for the Department of the Air Force, in addition to two foreign exchange students representing the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and Greece’s Hellenic Air Force.

Published June 30, 2026 By Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys, Air Force Test Center Public Affairs 412th Test Wing The air fell quiet Monday evening as families, teammates and senior Air Force leaders gathered beneath the high ceiling of an aircraft hangar to honor the eight members of the B-52 Stratofortress crew lost in a crash at Edwards Air Force Base two weeks earlier. The June 15 crash claimed the lives of Col. Gregory “Evil” Watson, Lt. Col. Gabriel “Journee” Estrella, retired Lt. Col.

Published June 29, 2026 By Chase Kohler 412th Test Wing Rapid technological advancements have been reshaping the flight test landscape, especially with the integration of artificial intelligence-enabled autonomous systems.

Published June 29, 2026 By Chase Kohler 412th Test Wing Rapid technological advancements have been reshaping the flight test landscape, especially with the integration of artificial intelligence-enabled autonomous systems.

Published June 29, 2026 By Retired Maj. John Creighton Beneath the morning’s golden light, Eight Americans vanished from our sight. No one who watched them climb away Imagined this would be the day. People will say that eight were lost, Those who served know what it cost. For every life that answers duty Leaves a thousand threads behind. A spouse still listens for a door, A child still wants a hug once more. A parent lingers over photographs, A friend recalls their familiar laugh.

Published June 29, 2026 By Chase Kohler 412th Test Wing A capstone project is a key component of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School curriculum, traditionally including at least one international partner visit alongside several domestic stops. In April, Class 25-B took the experience to a new level by traveling to a record seven countries.

Published June 25, 2026 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs 412th Test Wing A memorial service to honor and remember the lives of those lost in the June 15 B-52 crash will be held at Edwards AFB June 29 at 6:30 p.m. in Hangar 1623. The ceremony will bring together family members, friends, fellow service members and all with base access in remembrance of the crew. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Attire is business casual for civilians and uniform of the day for military members.

Published June 24, 2026 By Master Sgt. Tyree Griffin Aviation is a captivating and freeing pursuit, yet it remains dangerous and terrifying. While it offers the ability to travel anywhere around the world with blue skies and tailwinds and provides sights most people can only dream about, it also carries the constant knowledge that any error could cost a life.