46 Test Wing commander says farewell Published July 18, 2011 By Minty Knighton Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- As 46th Test Wing commander, Col. Michael T. Brewer prepares for his next mission as commander of the Arnold Engineering and Development Center at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., he looked back on his two-year tenure and mission of his wing. "I will miss the opportunity to fly fighter aircraft," said Brewer, whose new command as no active flight responsibilities. "And I'm going to miss the people of the 46th TW." Brewer held several positions in the Air Force, including test pilot, test program manager and commander of an experimental test squadron. He always maintained a spirit for flight, logging more than 3,200 hours with the F-111, F-15E and the F-16. "The lessons learned in flight command prepared [me] for squadron and, in turn, wing command," said Brewer. Brewer's flying is not the only thing he feels strongly about. His command's mission was a driving force for him. "Every day, we need to wake up with the knowledge and dedication to make sure our warriors get the very best equipment we can offer," said Brewer. "We are not making toasters. We are making the arms that will save American lives. We have to be passionate about that." Brewer hopes his wing remembers him for his passion for what he called a "sacred mission" and supporting the warfighters. "There is not a wing in the Air Force manned by a more dedicated group of professionals-military, government civilian, or contractor," he said. Brewer relinquishes command July 22 to Col. Colin Miller.