The Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, Calif., awarded graduate degrees for the first time ever earlier this month after completing a five-year accreditation process in May. During a graduation ceremony on June 7, 18 students from Class 07B received master of science degrees in flight test engineering. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for the school, the TPS staff, Edwards, [Air Force Materiel Command], and the Air Force,” said Col. Mike Luallen, commandant of the school. From November 2003 to April 2008, TPS worked through a series of processes with the Department of Education, Congress, and Southern Association of Colleges and School to get the school’s 48-week curriculum accredited to a master’s program. (Edwards report by SrA. Julius Delos Reyes)
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.