EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Brig. Gen. Mark A. Massaro assumed command of the Air Force Test Center during a ceremony held June 30, 2026, in Hangar 1600 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Massaro takes the reins from Maj. Gen. Scott A. Cain who has commanded the AFTC for the past two years.
Lt. Gen. Linda S. Hurry, Air Force Materiel Command commander, presided over the ceremony.
Hurry highlighted Cain’s dedication and focus as the AFTC commander and expressed her excitement for the continued excellence that the AFTC will provide for the U.S. Air Force under Massaro’s leadership.
“I am thrilled of the incredible performance that this test center has done under General Cain’s leadership,” said Hurry. “The leadership, the teamwork, and the camaraderie have been nothing short of phenomenal. General Massaro is absolutely the right person to lead this organization forward.”
Cain, who will become the Air Force Materiel Command Deputy Commander, Operations, shared his gratitude for his time as commander.
“I deeply appreciate the national treasure that the AFTC is and it’s hard to put into words just how much I appreciate you all,” said Cain. “Gen. Massaro has stepped up to lead this great enterprise and will continue the proud heritage we have worked hard to develop.”
Massaro now directs a test enterprise of more than 20,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel across Arnold AFB, Tenn., Edwards AFB, and Eglin AFB, Florida.
“I am honored and humbled to serve with each and every one of you,” said Massaro. “I look forward to leading the AFTC as we continue to push forward as stewards of the digital thread.”
His area of responsibility will include the development, test, and evaluation of manned and unmanned aircraft systems in both experimental and proven aerospace vehicles. These include programs for military services, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA, and international partners, in addition to operation of the USAF Test Pilot School.
“We must be and remain ready to test, as our service undertakes the largest modernization in its history,” said Massaro. “Our test center is recognized as an essential element of the Air Force’s capabilities development and together we will continue to accelerate the delivery of advanced war winning systems to our warfighters.”
Massaro comes to Edwards from 96th Test Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. where he served as the commander.
Massaro graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB in 2007 and later returned to Edwards as the Director of Operations, F-35 Experimental Test Pilot, 461st FTS in 2013. Beginning in June 2015, Massaro served as the Commander of the 412th Operations Support Squadron. Massaro is a Command Pilot with more than 2,200 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft and has flown more than 100 combat hours in the F-16.