EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s Detachment 2 welcomed its new commander during a change of command ceremony here July 9.
Col. Kevin M. Madrigal passed the guidon to the detachment’s new leader, Lt. Col. Michael Lopez, with AFOTEC Commander Brig. Gen. Jesse J. Friedel presiding.
“Colonel Madrigal’s 12 years of operational testing assignments coupled with a sustained focus on mission excellence was key as he led the detachment with a portfolio covering the testing of 49 highly classified weapons, combat support systems, command and control systems, and enterprise information systems worth $40 billion in Joint acquisition programs, including 36 under Congressional and DOT&E oversight,” said Friedel.
Friedel went on to say, “As a winning team builder, he led individual members of the detachment to a remarkable eight selections for special competitive personnel development programs, 34 AFOTEC awards, and two Air Force-level awards.”
Madrigal, who is retiring after 28 years of service, thanked his team. “It has been an honor to serve alongside you. My success was never my own; it belonged to every individual in this detachment who showed up, did the hard work, and took care of the mission. I was just lucky to be part of it. You are the heartbeat of this organization, and I know you will achieve even greater things in the future.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Lopez comes to Detachment 2 with extensive career experience and brings a deep knowledge of the operational environment,” said Friedel. “Throughout his distinguished career, Lieutenant Colonel Lopez has proven to be an exceptional leader who champions both the mission and the people. I am confident that under his leadership, this detachment will continue its legacy of excellence.”
“General Friedel, thank you for this tremendous opportunity,” said Lopez. “It is an honor to stand before you today and take command of this detachment. To the Detachment 2 team, what you do matters. I am committed to supporting you so you can execute the mission.”
As the AFOTEC Detachment 2 Commander, Lopez commands a group-equivalent unit of 115 personnel who direct and evaluate operational test and evaluation on U.S. Air Force and joint weapon systems.
He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours and 611 combat hours.
Lopez has served as a B-52 weapons officer, evaluator, and instructor pilot. His past assignments included duty as an aircraft commander, flight commander, and wing scheduler at Minot AFB, N.D. He was also the Squadron Commander at the 612th Air Base Squadron at Soto Cano Air Base, Republic of Honduras. He also served as a Deputy Division Chief on the J-35 Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
AFOTEC Detachment 2 conducts operational test and evaluation of air armament, agile combat support, electronic warfare, mission planning, command and control, communications, chemical and biological defense systems. The detachment executes operational test and evaluation of warfighter systems in operationally realistic battlespace environments to determine their effectiveness, suitability, and mission capability.
Detachment 2's co-location with the 96th Test Wing, system acquisition program offices, and Air Combat Command's 53rd Test Wing provides unique opportunities for integrated developmental and operational test synergy. Detachment 2 also serves as the AFOTEC commander's liaison to the 96th Test Wing. The detachment ensures the AFOTEC Commander, detachments, and staff are informed of concept, project, and program issues for all 96th Test Wing acquisitions.
AFOTEC headquarters is located at Kirtland AFB, N.M., with detachments in California, Florida, Nevada, and Utah and several geographically separated operating locations across the U.S. AFOTEC is a direct reporting unit under Headquarters, United States Air Force. It is the Air Force’s independent test agency responsible for testing and evaluating new capabilities in operationally realistic environments to inform warfighters and influence national resource decisions.