EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif --
The USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB welcomed its 39th commandant, when Colonel Noel Zamot took command from outgoing commandant Colonel Terry M. Luallen. The change of command ceremony took place in the Dick Scobee auditorium and was officiated by new 412th Test Wing commander Colonel Dawn M. Dunlop.
The commanding officer of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is known as its Commandant. The commandant manages the school which is a military unit that operates in a distinctly academic atmosphere. The position is usually held by a Colonel selected by the Air Force Materiel Command commander, although this authority may be delegated to the commander of the Air Force Test Center. The commandant oversees all flying training, academic instruction, budgeting, and curriculum administration at the school. The commandant also chairs a board of officers that selects the school's students. The selection board consists of flight test squadron commanders with a majority of the board members being prior graduates. Every three years, the commandant conducts a review of the school's curriculum with participation from flight test squadrons, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, operational squadrons and international partners.
Maj. Gen. Dawn M. Dunlop currently serves as the Commander, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Airborne Early Warning and Control Force, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. She leads a 17-nation organization responsible for providing airborne early warning, battle management and command and control capability for the alliance. The force she leads has two main operating bases at Geilenkirchen, Germany and Royal Air Force Waddington, England, and four forward operating bases located across the European area of operations.