Senior leaders who participated in the flying operations included Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Air Combat Command commander Gen. Adrian Spain, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander Brig. Gen. David C. Epperson, and 57th Wing commander Brig. Gen. Lawrence T. Sullivan. Nellis AFB, which flew 10,519 sorties in fiscal year 2025, is home to the Air Force Warfare Center, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, and the Nevada Test and Training Range.
“Nellis is where we forge the future of airpower,” said Brig. Gen. David C. Epperson, USAFWC commander. “It’s an honor hosting our senior leaders here for WEPTAC and the C2 Summit, then having them step into the cockpit and lead from the front was a highlight for our Airmen. It provided our aircrew and maintainers the opportunity for two-way dialogue and to tactically interact with them. Now, more than ever, it is critical for leaders to stay connected to the fundamentals of the fight to ensure our force is ready to prevail at any given notice.”
“Flying allows senior leaders to stay connected to our warfighting mission,” Wilsbach said. “Every time I step to the jet, I’m immersed in daily operations and discover new obstacles Airmen face that I can help remove. I only gain that insight by being present on the flightline.”
“It was an empowering experience to see our most senior leaders step to jets while tuning into operations,” said Senior Airman Christopher Hinds, 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. “Knowing how busy they are, it meant a lot to me to witness the chief of staff hone proficiency and warfighter skills by flying in the lethal F-22 [Raptor].”
The participation of general officers in demanding flight operations reinforced the importance of technical excellence, pride in craftsmanship, and combat credibility at every rank. Their presence in the cockpit sent a clear message that readiness and tactical proficiency are upheld to the highest standard across the force.
