Page 10 - Aerotech News and Review – September 12, 2025

10 September 12, 2025
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926th Wing welcomes new commander
AEROTECH NEWS
by Capt. Josephine Rios
Nellis AFB, Nev.
The 926th Wing welcomed a new commander, Col. Robert F. Lytle, dur- ing a change of command ceremony held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 2, 2025.
Brig. Gen. Kevin Merrill, 10th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony. Lytle replaces Col. Jason S. Reiss, who led the wing since Septem- ber 2023 and is retiring after 27 years of service.
Col. Reiss was a awarded a Legion of Merit medal for exceptionally meritori- ous conduct in the performance of out- standing services and achievements.
“You’ve built partnerships for the mission partners here, enabling an increased capacity of lethality across the total force,” said Merrill recogniz- ing Reiss. “You’ve led the way through some extremely challenging times, but you’ve kept your focus on the Airmen and on the mission.”
Reiss also voiced his deepest grati- tude stating, “I came here knowing that this was a special unit. The most diverse mission portfolio in the Air Force Re- serve Command. I never had any idea how complicated the mission was —
Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Isaiah Pedrazzini
Col. Robert F. Lytle, right, incoming 926th Wing commander, accepts the guidon flag from Brig. Gen. Kevin Merrill, left, 10th Air Force commander, during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 2, 2025. The mission of the 926th Wing is to provide expert Citizen Airmen to advance high-end test, training, cyber, and remotely piloted aircraft combat operations.
thrilled to be standing here today as your commander. I’ve heard such amaz- ing things about your professionalism, your shared dedication, and overall awesome spirit of the 926th,” said Lytle. “We’ll tackle challenges together. We’ll high-five, have successes. We’ll always push each other to be the absolute best. I’m genuinely looking forward to serv- ing alongside each and every one of you, and keeping the 926th the best in 10th Air Force.”
Lytle is a fighter pilot with more than 4,915 flight hours in the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon and F- 35A Lightning II. He is a combat-proven command pilot with multiple deploy- ments to Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve. He previously served as the Deputy Commander of the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.
“This moment holds a special signifi- cance for me personally. Growing up, I was inspired by my father, who had the privilege of being the 926th Wing com- mander when it was at New Orleans,” said Lytle. “Following in his footsteps and getting a chance to lead such a fan- tastic wing is such an incredible honor.”
there’s been, truly, an appreciation in the leadership and the sweat equity.”
After the guidon passed from in- coming to outgoing commander, Lytle
addressed the wing for the first time as commander, expressing his enthusiasm and vision for the future.
“I’m truly humbled and honestly
Epperson takes charge of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center
By Airman 1st Class
Michael Sanders
Nellis AFB, Nev.
Brig. Gen. David C. Epperson took command of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center from Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Niemi during a change of command ceremony Aug. 28, 2025, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
Gen. Adrian L. Spain, com- mander of Air Combat Com- mand, presided over the event.
Niemi assumed command of the Warfare Center on Aug. 8, 2024. Since then, he has led the or- ganization through a Department- Level Exercise series, advanced long-range kill-chain optimization efforts during a command visit to Eglin AFB, Fla., and strengthened cross-domain integration through engagements with the National Space Defense Center. A com- mand pilot with more than 3,100 flying hours, Niemi previously directed plans, programs, and requirements at both Pacific Air Forces and ACC.
“Let me extend my deepest gratitude to Maj. Gen. Chris and
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Michael Sanders
Brig. Gen. David C. Epperson, incoming commander of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug. 28, 2025. The ceremony marked the formal transition of leadership, allowing personnel to recognize the incoming commander and reaffirm the center’s mission continuity.
Janice Niemi for their unwavering commitment and service ... your leadership has been extraordi- nary,” Spain said. “America’s War-
fare Center is elevating combat readiness to new heights. Prepar- ing our forces and our Airmen to be the indispensable force we know we are for the joint force. And because of that, should the fight come, we will win it.”
Niemi will head to Headquar- ters Air Force at the Pentagon, to be the new Director of Concepts and Strategy, Air Force Futures, A57.
“Serving as the commander of the Warfare Center has been the highest honor of my career,” Niemi said. “I have enjoyed every day here at Nellis, surrounded by our nation’s most capable Airmen and aircraft.”
Spain spoke of the full trust and faith he has in Epperson and how he will be leading the Warfare Center at a decisive moment in history.
“You’re taking command at a decisive moment in history. You need to continue to ensure our current force is as prepared as pos- sible, while seamlessly integrating future capabilities. Inspire the next generation of tacticians and the next generation of Airmen. Do
this and our Combat Air Forces will remain ready to deter, defend, and when necessary, win.”
Epperson returns to Nellis after serving as special assistant to the Air Force Chief of Staff, where he contributed to high-level strategic initiatives shaping the future of Air Force operations. His work at HAF provided him with broad insight into force development, operational planning and mod- ernization priorities across the enterprise.
Prior to taking command, Epperson commanded at the squadron, group, and wing lev- els, including the 16th Weapons Squadron, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group and 52nd Fight- er Wing. He received his commis- sion in 1997 through the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduated and instructed at the Air Force Weap- ons School and graduated from the U.S. Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting.
As a command pilot, Epper- son has more than 3,000 f light hours and has flown 731 combat missions in Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Freedom’s
Sentinel and NATO’s Resolute Support mission.
“Returning to Nellis is a pro- found honor,” Epperson said. “Together we will ensure our Airmen continue to be equipped to provide dominant combat airpower.”
Headquartered at Nellis, the Warfare Center oversees five wings and two units, comprising more than 13,000 active-duty military and civilian personnel. The center leads operational testing, tactics development and advanced exercises to prepare Airmen for joint, all-domain combat operations.
The center traces its roots to 1966, when it was activated as the Tactical Fighter Weapons Center under Tactical Air Command. It assumed its current name in 2005. Today, it oversees the 57th Wing and 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis, the 53rd Wing and 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing at Eglin AFB, the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, the Nevada Test and Training Range and the Air Force Joint Test Program Office.