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412th Test Wing Commander to bid farewell to Team Edwards

  • Published
  • By Giancarlo Casem
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

The 412th Test Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, recently announced that he will relinquish command of the Wing and be departing Edwards Air Force Base, California, for a deployment to Iraq.

Teichert was selected by the Commander of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, Jr., to be the next Defense Attaché and Senior Defense Official to the country of Iraq.

“It will be a fascinating and impactful year in the midst of a situation where global tensions are on edge,” Teichert said. “Baghdad is at the nexus of several areas of focus from the National Defense Strategy, and such a leadership position offers a true opportunity to serve on the front lines for the Warfighter.”

A change of command ceremony is planned for Feb. 5 that will see Teichert transfer the Wing command leadership to Col. Matthew Higer, a former Air Force Test Pilot School commandant. Teichert’s training for his new position starts as soon as he transfers command and will then start his year-long deployed assignment immediately thereafter, he added.

“He will be an outstanding leader to carry on the legacy of impact and influence for which the 412th Test Wing is world renowned,” Teichert said. “He will continue on with a world class leadership team around him representing every corner, every role, and every Airman of this incredible organization.”

Teichert took command of the Test Wing in July, 2018. Teichert and his family had previously spent time at Edwards prior to his taking command of the Wing. He had been a commander of the 411th Flight Test Squadron and was the director of the F-22 Combined Test Force, here.

Team Teichert, as he refers to his family, took great strides to establish a sense of community and familiarity amongst the more than 11,000 Airmen, civilians and dependents that make up Team Edwards.

“I fully realize that I am leaving an amazing team, amazing Airmen, amazing families, amazing mission partners, an amazing Aerospace Valley community, and an amazing dream job here at the Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe where we regularly make history today for the Warfighter,” he said in statement for the whole base. “It has been one of the greatest honors and joys of my life to serve here alongside of you.”

Even though the next few weeks will surely be busy for Team Teichert, he has vowed to say farewell and thank you to as many people as he can.

“I will continue to find ways to serve you and demonstrate genuine concern for our Airmen and their families in every possible way. This has been my priority from day one. I also hope to have the opportunity to shake as many hands as possible and thank you for your impactful service,” Teichert said. “After all, this Wing thrives because of you. You are the ones who mold and shape America’s arsenal by planning, supporting, executing, and reporting on test and evaluation.” 

He also added that after he relinquishes command of the Test Wing, he will continue to admire the work of Team Edwards.

“For the rest of my life, I will proudly watch from afar as you impact and influence the future of American air, space, and cyber power,” Teichert said. “I will always be humbled by the memories of serving alongside of you here at the Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe. You are a national treasure.”