HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — The 505th Test and Training Group welcomed a new commander July 2 as Col. William “Echo” Gery assumed leadership of the unit during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field.
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Col. Ryan Hayde, then commander of the 505th Command and Control Wing, presided over the ceremony, formally transferring command from Col. James “Denzel” Fields II to Gery.
Hayde praised Fields’ leadership, noting the group’s accomplishments during his tenure.
“Under Denzel’s leadership, this group drove the training for over 6,000 joint personnel and directed the testing of around $15 billion in C2 systems,” Col. Hayde said.
“His operational vision was unmatched. He led the charge to establish and execute the first-ever theater air component for exercise Bamboo Eagle, a monumental task that has literally changed the way we train for high-end conflict.”
During his time in command, Col. Fields’ units supported homeland defense through advanced radar analysis, delivered forensic data to federal interagency partners and augmented combatant commands worldwide to strengthen command and control readiness. Fields assumed command of the 505th Command and Control Wing on July 10.
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“It has been the honor of my career to serve as the commander of the 505th Test and Training Group,” Col. Fields said.
“To the men and women of the 505th, I could not be prouder of what you have accomplished. You have been the driving force behind advancing C2 and battle management weapon systems for our Air Force. I have no doubt that you will continue to push the boundaries, challenge the status quo, and ensure our warfighters maintain the decisive edge.”
Hayde said Gery brings extensive operational experience to the position as a master electronic warfare officer and graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School.
“As the lines between Air Force specialties blur, having an EWO at the helm will make us sharper. Electronic Warfare is an absolute imperative in today’s fight,” Col. Hayde said.
“Echo, you bring a profound depth of tactical, operational, and strategic expertise to this formation. I have absolute confidence in your ability to take the team to new heights.”
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Addressing the unit for the first time as commander, Gery emphasized the group’s mission in preparing warfighters for future conflicts.
“The work you do here is the absolute keystone of our combat capability. In an era defined by the rapid evolution of battle capabilities and a dynamic strategic environment, the warfighters we train, the radars we monitor and optimize, and the concepts we develop are what give our joint forces the decisive edge,” Col. Gery said.
“My commitment to you is simple: I promise to put in the hard work alongside you every day. Our ultimate goal is clear: to ensure the United States Air Force becomes more lethal, more capable, and ever more ready to fight when our nation calls.”
The 505th Test and Training Group provides initial and advanced command and control training for U.S. Air Force, joint and coalition personnel while supporting worldwide radar planning, optimization and evaluation.
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