Air Force photograph by Rebecca Amber

From left: Chief Master Sgt. David Smith, 412th Test Wing command chief, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th TW commander, pose for a photo in front of the test wing command section Christmas Tree. They wish all of Team Edwards a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Team,
What an outstanding year this has been! Pauline and I would like to take this time, right before the holidays, to say thank you for all your hard work and success. You make the 412th Test Wing the best Air Force unit to work for and Edwards a great place to live. We are privileged to work at the birthplace of modern aviation and I am continually blown away by all of your accomplishments. It’s truly an honor to serve with you every day.
We had a tremendous year in test. Your contribution to national security is awesome! Milestones such as the first military flight of the KC-46; the record number of sorties from the Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force in July; the first in-flight firing of the GAU-22/A for the F-35; and Coalition Aerial Refueling Certification efforts with Italian and Royal Australian Air Forces are just the tip of what was accomplished.
We welcomed Dutch F-35s to the high desert for their operational test phase; we continued to improve the F-22 with a new phase of AIM-9X testing and we continue to improve the F-16 with its Radar Modernization Program.
2016 will no doubt be a busy year as these programs and more will continue to put the best technology in the hands of U.S. and Allied warfighters. It will be an exciting year, and once again, none of our test accomplishments are possible without the dedicated support of the 412th Medical Group, 412th Mission Support Group, 412th Civil Engineering Group and Wing Staff Agencies. Thank you for your exceptional support!
Now, with the joy of the holiday season upon us, I hope each of you will take time to use some well-earned leave, be with friends and family, and use this time to recharge and relax. Enjoy the holidays and travel safe! I need each and every one of you to return to accomplish our critical mission.
To all Team Edwards Airmen (civilian/military) and contractors, it is an honor and a blessing to serve with you. God bless, be safe and I will see you next year!