96 Test Wing (Eglin AFB)

• Origins in WWII: The 96th Test Wing traces its lineage to the 96th Bombardment Group, which flew B-17 Flying Fortresses in Europe during World War II, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations. • Modern Mission: Today, the 96th Test Wing is the lead test and evaluation wing for the U.S. Air Force, headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. • Largest Test Wing: It is the largest test wing in the U.S. Air Force, overseeing 724 square miles of land and 123,000 square miles of overwater test range. • Tested Iconic Aircraft: The Wing has tested nearly every major Air Force aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 Lightning II. • Home of the Armament Directorate: Eglin AFB, under the 96th Test Wing, houses the Air Force Armament Directorate, responsible for developing and testing munitions such as JDAM and Small Diameter Bomb. • Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) School: The 96th Test Wing hosts the Department of Defense’s only joint EOD school, training Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps personnel. • Environmental Stewardship: The Wing manages one of the largest forestry operations in the Department of Defense, supporting endangered species and controlled burns for ecosystem management. • Human Systems Testing: The 96th Test Wing is also responsible for human systems testing, including aircraft life support, ejection seats, and pilot gear. • Support to Special Operations: The Wing provides critical test support to Air Force Special Operations Command and other special mission units. • Historical Medal of Honor: Members of the 96th Bombardment Group, the predecessor of the 96th Test Wing, received high honors for bravery, with Lt. Col. Leon R. Vance earning the Medal of Honor for heroic actions in 1944.