EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The world’s premier flight test organization moved from one former 96th Test Wing commander to another.
Brig. Gen. Christopher P. Azzano assumed command of the Air Force Test Center during a ceremony held Aug. 3 here.
Azzano takes the reins from Maj. Gen. David Harris who commanded the AFTC for the past three years. Azzano also followed Harris in commanding the 96th TW at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Azzano now directs an enterprise of more than 18,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel here, Eglin and Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee.
“To the men and women of the Air Force Test Center, it’s truly an honor to serve with all of you again,” Azzano said. “Together we will continue to build new lethality into America’s arsenal forged from the latest technology developed, integrated and validated, by all of you. For you, smart risk management and rigorous self-improvement are a foundation of agility and speed.”
His area of responsibility will include the development, test, and evaluation of manned and unmanned aircraft systems in both experimental and proven aerospace vehicles. These include programs for military services, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, NASA and international partners, in addition to operation of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.
“As stewards of some of America’s most important real estate, we will continue to care for our installations, for our ranges, and of course, for our joint servicemembers and their families making the Air Force Test Center a great place to live and work.”
Azzano comes here from Headquarters, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he served as the director or Air, Space and Cyberspace Operations.
Azzano graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB in 2000 and later returned as the 412th Operations Group commander.
Azzano has flown more than 2,900 hours in 35 aircraft types as an instructor pilot, evaluator pilot and experimental test pilot. He has conducted developmental tests on a wide range of aircraft and weapons, and has commanded at the squadron, group and twice at the wing level.
Following the change of command, the base held a retirement ceremony for Harris who is leaving the Air Force after more than 31 years of service.