E-8C JSTARS test detachment changes command

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.–Lt. Col. Dierk Seifert assumed command of the 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Detachment 2 from Lt. Col. Jerome Thomas during assumption change of command ceremony at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, April 30.

Lt. Col. Carly Sims, commander 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida, presided over the ceremony.

As the commander, Lt. Col. Seifert will lead a 21-member detachment that provides persistent Air Combat Command warfighter expertise in E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System acquisition through seamless full-spectrum test, evaluation and advanced E-8C combat capability enhancement design, test, demonstration, technical order validation, verification, fielding and worldwide sustainment support for the Combat Air Forces.

“I am honored at being given the opportunity to command such a diverse and talented unit of individuals,” said Lt. Col. Seifert, commander 605th TES, Det. 2.  “They are truly experts in their respective fields, and selflessly perform above and beyond what is required of them.”

Seifert continued, “I am looking forward to leading our unit as we test new and innovative systems and methods for employment on the world’s foremost wide-area surveillance platform.  The passion and dedication displayed by the detachment’s members to keep the airframe relevant and safe is nothing short of awe inspiring.”

Detachment 2 serves as ACC’s test organization for the E-8C JSTARS aircraft as part of the JSTARS Joint Test Force. The detachment focuses on E-8C legacy modernization through sustainment, modernization, and tactics, techniques, and procedures development.

Lt. Col. Seifert’s previous assignment was as the director of operations, 605th TES, Det. 2, Robins AFB, Georgia.  As the DO, he was charged with managing operational test & evaluation of the $20B E-8C JSTARS program.

Det. 2 develops test plans, executes test events, and manages tactics development and evaluation to determine combat effectiveness of the E-8C’s annual sustainment modifications and Air National Guard funded modernization efforts. The unit also analyzes Combatant Command support requirements and other system evaluations as required by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, ACC, Secretary of the Air Force Acquisition, and Georgia ANG’s 116th Air Control Wing and their active-duty wing, the 461st Air Control Wing.

“Gen. Brown has called on us to ‘innovate and incorporate concepts and technologies that will develop new best practices.’  Over the past four years, Lt. Col. Thomas has been a driving force in developing new ways of testing and documenting decision-quality information that have changed the way we operate as a squadron,” said Sims.

“We are thankful for his dedication to the mission and his leadership. Much of our success is founded on the outstanding relationships between 605th TES, Det. 2, the 461th ACW, and team Robins.”

Sims continued “I look forward to Lt. Col. Seifert’s continued leadership as he transitions from director of operations to commander of 605th TES, Det. 2.  I know Dierk will carry on investing in the people of the detachment and their families, as they further streamline processes to get the best technology to the warfighter fastest.”

Lt. Col. Thomas is moving to the 16th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, Robins AFB, Georgia, to be an E-8C JSTARS mission crew commander.

605th TES, Det. 2 is one of three detachments, and an operating location, assigned to the 605th TES, and a subordinate unit of the 505th Test and Training Group, and the 505th Command and Control Wing, headquartered on Hurlburt Field, Florida.