The 53rd Test Evaluation Group’s Det. 1, called the Dragon Test Team, inactivated during a ceremony at Holloman AFB, N.M. “By law, whenever a weapon system is within five years of retirement, we stop conducting modifications and testing,” said Lt. Col. Rick Silong, Det. 1 commander. During its 24 years in service, the team tested F-117 stealth fighter’s software, hardware, weapon upgrades, platform survivability, and tactics to make sure the weapons worked every time. The inactivation means the detachment will close on a non-permanent basis in case the Air Force decides to stand up another unit of the same size and scope, Silong said.
Three Air Force MAJCOMs Get New Leaders
Nov. 6, 2025
With less pomp and public attention because of the government shutdown, three Air Force major commands have gained new leaders in the past week—continuing a major revamp of the service’s senior leadership.
