53rd Wing
| 53rd Wing | |
|---|---|
| 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 | Col. Daniel J. Lehoski |
| Deputy Commander | Col. Daniel J. Knerl |
| Command Chief Master Sergeant | CCM Randolph M. Crosslin Jr. |
| Notable commanders | Paul V. Hester Ronald Keys |
| Insignia | |
| 53d Wing emblem | |
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.