EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro’s goodbye to the 96th Test Wing began last week with his final commander’s call and flight on back-to-back days.
The commander’s call served as a two-year-in-review of accomplishments by the wing highlighting goals reached and tests accomplished.
“I’m really proud I’m part of this organization and that we focused on mission execution, we took care of our people, and we harnessed those base and community partnerships that allowed us to succeed in our objectives,” said Massaro, who departs the wing in less than a month to become the Air Force Test Center commander at Edwards AFB, California.
Massaro highlighted progress on one of his main priorities, the increased focus on base defense. He emphasized Eglin’s continued counter unmanned aerial system strategy and the growth of the program as well as a completed fence.
Lastly, he highlighted the way the wing embraced opportunities to rapidly advance test programs to meet Air Force operational priorities during his tenure. He cited specific examples of counter UAS laser guided rockets for the F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II and extended range missiles for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Both programs were expedited through the developmental test process and procedures to get them to the warfighter as soon as possible.
“We’ve set history here in support of our warfighters and I’m very proud of what you’ve accomplished and proud to have been a part of it,” said Massaro.
The following day, he launched into the cloudless Northwest Florida sky in his F-16 Fighting Falcon for one more sortie.
As the commander taxied his aircraft to its final stop, his executive officers, 96th TW leaders and Airmen were there to greet, hose him down and then offer congratulations on a job done well.