NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Brigadier Gen. David C. Epperson took command of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center from Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Niemi during a change of command ceremony Aug. 28 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
General Adrian L. Spain, commander of Air Combat Command, presided over the event.
“Together we will ensure our Airmen continue to be equipped to provide dominant combat airpower.”
Brig. Gen. David C. Epperson, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander
Niemi assumed command of the Warfare Center on Aug. 8, 2024. Since then, he has led the organization through a Department-Level Exercise series, advanced long-range kill-chain optimization efforts during a command visit to Eglin AFB, Fla., and strengthened cross-domain integration through engagements with the National Space Defense Center. A command pilot with more than 3,100 flying hours, Niemi previously directed plans, programs, and requirements at both Pacific Air Forces and ACC.
“Let me extend my deepest gratitude to Maj. Gen. Chris and Janice Niemi for their unwavering commitment and service…your leadership has been extraordinary,” Spain said. “America’s Warfare Center is elevating combat readiness to new heights. Preparing our forces and our Airmen to be the indispensable force we know we are for the joint force. And because of that, should the fight come, we will win it.”
Niemi will head to Headquarters Air Force at the Pentagon, to be the new Director of Concepts and Strategy, Air Force Futures, A57.
“Serving as the commander of the Warfare Center has been the highest honor of my career,” Niemi said. “I have enjoyed every day here at Nellis, surrounded by our nation’s most capable Airmen and aircraft.”
Spain spoke of the full trust and faith he has in Epperson and how he will be leading the Warfare Center at a decisive moment in history.
“You’re taking command at a decisive moment in history. You need to continue to ensure our current force is as prepared as possible, while seamlessly integrating future capabilities. Inspire the next generation of tacticians and the next generation of Airmen. Do this and our Combat Air Forces will remain ready to deter, defend, and when necessary, win.”
Epperson returns to Nellis after serving as special assistant to the Air Force Chief of Staff, where he contributed to high-level strategic initiatives shaping the future of Air Force operations. His work at HAF provided him with broad insight into force development, operational planning and modernization priorities across the enterprise.
Prior to taking command, Epperson commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels, including the 16th Weapons Squadron, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group and 52nd Fighter Wing. He received his commission in 1997 through the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduated and instructed at the Air Force Weapons School and graduated from the U.S. Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting.
As a command pilot, Epperson has more than 3,000 flight hours and has flown 731 combat missions in Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO’s Resolute Support mission.
“Returning to Nellis is a profound honor,” Epperson said. “Together we will ensure our Airmen continue to be equipped to provide dominant combat airpower.”
Headquartered at Nellis, the Warfare Center oversees five wings and two units, comprising more than 13,000 active-duty military and civilian personnel. The center leads operational testing, tactics development and advanced exercises to prepare Airmen for joint, all-domain combat operations.
The center traces its roots to 1966, when it was activated as the Tactical Fighter Weapons Center under Tactical Air Command. It assumed its current name in 2005. Today, it oversees the 57th Wing and 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis, the 53rd Wing and 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing at Eglin AFB, the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, the Nevada Test and Training Range and the Air Force Joint Test Program Office.