53rd Wing

53rd Wing
31st Test and Evaluation Squadron F-35 Lightning II[note 1]
Active	1941–1944; 1955–1960; 1963–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Operational test and evaluation
Size	2100
Part of	Air Combat Command
Garrison/HQ	Eglin Air Force Base
Motto(s)	Defense by Offense (1941–1960)
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Organizational Excellence Award
Commanders
Current commander	Colonel Matthew Bradley
Notable commanders	Paul V. Hester Ronald Keys
Insignia
53d Wing emblem[note 2][1]

The 53rd Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force based at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The wing reports to the United States Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, which in turn reports to Headquarters Air Combat Command.

The 53d Wing serves as the focal point for the combat air forces in electronic warfare, armament and avionics, chemical defense, reconnaissance, and aircrew training devices. The wing is also responsible for operational testing and evaluation (OT&E) of new equipment and systems proposed for use by these air forces. Current wing initiatives include advanced self-protection systems for combat aircraft, aircrew life support systems, aerial reconnaissance improvements, new armament and weapons delivery systems, and improved maintenance equipment and logistics support. The 53d Wing, which consists of four groups, numbers almost 2,000 military and civilians at 17 locations throughout the United States.

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