NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- In a powerful demonstration of leading from the front at every echelon, U.S. Air Force generals have taken to the skies here to reaffirm that command at every level is backed by the same core competencies demanded of every Airman under their leadership Jan. 9-15, 2026.
Training sorties across the western region of the country occurred in the weeks leading up to and while the general officers were at Nellis, long considered the crown jewel of the Air Force, for the annual Weapons and Tactics Conference (WEPTAC) and Command and Control (C2) Summit. Key leaders who participated in flying operations included Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach; Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command; Brig. Gen. David C. Epperson, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander (USAFWC); and Brig. Gen. Lawrence T. Sullivan, 57th Wing commander.
Flying 10,519 sorties in fiscal year 2025 alone, Nellis is the epicenter of advanced air power. It’s the home of the USAFWC and the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, in addition to the 2.9-million-acre Nevada Test and Training Range, which provides the stage for annual iterations of exercises such as Red Flag-Nellis and the department-level exercise Bamboo Eagle.
“Nellis is where we forge the future of air power,” said Brig. Gen. David C. Epperson, USAFWC commander. “It’s an honor hosting our senior leaders here for WEPTAC and the C2 Summit, then having them step into the cockpit and lead from the front was a highlight for our Airmen. It provided our aircrew and maintainers the opportunity for two-way dialogue and to tactically interact with them. Now, more than ever, it is critical for leaders to stay connected to the fundamentals of the fight to ensure our force is ready to prevail at any given notice.”
By maintaining standards and technical excellence leaders show Airmen what it means to have pride in their craft and strengthen the foundation of the force. Instilling a sense of pride is critical in each member as they generate airpower to support the joint fight.
“Flying allows senior leaders to stay connected to our warfighting mission,” said Wilsbach. “Every time I step to the jet, I'm immersed in daily operations and discover new obstacles Airmen face that I can help remove. I only gain that insight by being present on the flightline.”
“It was an empowering experience to see our most senior leaders step to jets while tuning into operations,” said Senior Airman Christopher Hinds, a crew chief assigned to the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “Knowing how busy they are, it meant a lot to me to witness the Chief of Staff hone proficiency and warfighter skills by flying in the lethal F-22.”
The presence of the general officers in the cockpit underscores a core principle of leadership, and ensures Airmen are led by the most capable and combat-credible leaders. Their participation in these demanding flight operations serves as a clear message that readiness and tactical proficiency are maintained to the highest standard, from a four-star general to the most junior Airmen.