JINSA Visits Edwards Air Force Base

The delegation in front of an RQ-4
Global Hawk.

A delegation of JINSA leaders recently visited Edwards Air Force Base, home the U.S. Air Force Test Center and U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. The base played a significant role in the testing and evaluation of every aircraft to enter the U.S. Air Force since World War II. The base, then known as Muroc Army Air Base, was where Chuck Yeager first broke the speed of sound.

JINSA leaders had the opportunity to get a first-hand look at the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, known as the "Desert Pirates." They work continuously to ensure that the U.S. Air Force has the world's best operational systems, which include the RQ-4 Global Hawk, an unmanned aerial surveillance aircraft, and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the world's most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft that will become the backbone of the U.S. and Israeli Air Force's fighter fleet for the next several decades.

JINSA leaders Leonard Wien and Paul Litz are briefed in an F-35 hangar.

The program began with dinner the evening before, where JINSA hosted senior officers from Edwards AFB. The delegation spent the night on the base and the following day featured high-level briefings, interactions with young Air Force personnel, and observations of base activities led by senior squadron leaders. The delegation learned about life in the Air Force and at Edwards, as well as challenges and concerns of the airmen. The opportunity gave JINSA leaders insider knowledge of aircraft development and what it takes to analyze and report on the most advanced aircraft and weapons systems in the world. JINSA also explained our mission and purpose for the visit as well as how we can be a resource in educating the American public about the need for a strong U.S. military.

JINSA plans to have more base visits in 2014. Please contact Harris Vederman at hvederman@jinsa.org or call 202-524-5515 to learn more.

JINSA leaders Norm and Larry Sloan are
briefed on the F-35.

JINSA leader Michael Leffell getting an up-close view of an F-35 cockpit.

JINSA delegation is briefed on the F-35.

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