Photo By Bradley Hicks | Catherine Stephens, Ph.D., superintendent of Tullahoma City Schools, right, shakes...... read more read more
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. – The call went out in June 2023. Arnold Engineering Development Complex leadership offered to peel back the curtain ever so slightly for local leaders to gain greater insight into and a deep understanding of the AEDC missions, programs and policies at its Arnold Air Force Base headquarters. AEDC announced it was accepting nominations for the first-of-its-kind Arnold AFB Honorary Commander program. The intent of the initiative is for the civic and business leaders selected to take what they have gleaned from interactions with AEDC personnel, tours of the base and other activities and bolster public support for the missions of AEDC and the Air Force through their roles in the community. In March 2024, the first class of Honorary Commanders was inducted during a ceremony at Arnold AFB. Each of those selected serves a two-year term and is assigned to a different AEDC unit. An Honorary Commander Day was held at Arnold AFB on Dec. 9, 2024, during which the Honorary Commanders toured various facilities; heard from engineers, craft crews and other team members who discussed some of the work performed at Arnold; and were able to ask questions to further educate themselves about the base and its diverse test groups, divisions and operations. Now nearing the end of their terms, several of the first-ever Arnold AFB Honorary Commanders shared what the experience has been like thus far, what they have learned, and how they intend to spread the word about Arnold and its mission to increase community engagement and support. Catherine Stephens, Ph.D., superintendent of Tullahoma City Schools, is the Honorary Commander assigned to the 716th Test Squadron. “Being a daughter of an Army veteran and a wife of a Navy veteran, I was truly ecstatic,” Stephens said of her Honorary Commander selection. “I believe the service men and women – and their spouses and families – are vital to our country and their sacrifice is highly commendable. To be a part of the Air Force through the Honorary Commander program, to learn more about the base that is right here in Tullahoma, and to connect the school system and base through valuable experiences was thrilling to me.” Through her participation in the Honorary Commander program, Stephens hoped to learn more about the base and Air Force. She said the experience has provided her with greater insight on the importance of AEDC. “This facility, along with the other test cells around the country connected to AEDC, is ensuring we stay ahead and increase our ability to win in conflicts,” Stephens said. “To maintain a strong defense system, we must be proactive and prepared for what may come. It is reassuring to know there is an extensive amount of research happening with brilliant minds that will help position us well, in current times and in the future.” Prior to her Honorary Commander selection, Stephens said her familiarity with the Arnold AFB was fairly limited, having visited the base only once in the summer of 2021 to discuss how Tullahoma City Schools and AEDC might partner through STEM education, career fairs and other similar topics. Since taking on the role, Stephens has maintained regular contact with base personnel to continue educating herself about the base and to forge connections to benefit both AEDC and Tullahoma City Schools. She said this has led to some “tremendous” field trip experiences for Tullahoma students. “I attended one of them recently, and the students learned so much about career options as they think through their next steps,” Stephens said. Aside from the “mind-blowing” amount of power it takes from the Tennessee Valley Authority to perform some testing at Arnold, Stephens said what has stood out to her concerning AEDC is the “future-ready” research happening across the complex. “What I mean by that is multi-disciplinary teams are researching and testing air defense options that do not exist right now,” she said. “We may not see what they’re studying, building and creating until 10-plus years from now. I like knowing that we are advancing our thinking and preparations and not settling into the ‘now’ or being more reactionary to events.” She added that seeing the “talented and knowledgeable experts” who make up these multi-disciplinary teams come together for one purpose is “awe-inspiring.” As Tullahoma City Schools superintendent, Stephens wants to connect the variety of career opportunities available at Arnold, ranging from skilled trades and law enforcement to engineering and military service, with local students to help strengthen the school-to-work pathway. “Having the opportunity to see many elements of the base and get a deeper understanding of it has been highly impactful to me and my work, as I can enter into conversations with teachers, students and others about potential careers that may connect” Stephens said. “This allows students to see what their future may hold as they explore next steps.” This promotion of AEDC has thus far been effective. Tullahoma City Schools has multiple work-based learning students at Arnold, and the school system has increased its field trips to the base. Stephens said Tullahoma City Schools educators and officials are enabling students to make connections and realize how their interests and talents may lead to an “amazing career,” including one at AEDC. “It is an honor to serve in this role, and I look forward to the continued collaboration,” Stephens said. “When (then-AEDC Commander Col. Randal Gordon) welcomed the Honorary Commanders to AEDC in March 2024, he said something that resonated with me. He noted that across the country, bases have been closed off to the public – bridges are up and no one can get in – and he noted the value in putting the bridges down and making connections with the community through the Honorary Commander program. This has been a positive addition to AEDC and Tullahoma City Schools. I’m thankful for the vision he had in adding this program to AEDC.” Arnold AFB will begin accepting nominations for the next class of Honorary Commanders on March 1. The deadline to submit nominations is April 30. Nominees should normally not be military retirees, as the goal of the program is to familiarize community members possessing limited knowledge of the Department of War with Arnold. Members of the U.S. Congress, their staff or federally-elected or appointed officials may not be nominated for the program. No more than one nominee from an individual organization will serve as an honorary commander at any given time with the exception of organizations whose membership comes from a variety of business and organizations, such as the chamber of commerce or other non-federal and civic-supported entities. Due to the large contractor workforce at Arnold AFB, nominees will be required to declare any organizational conflict of interest prior to their nomination and at any time during their tenure and program alumni status. To ensure there is no perception of a conflict of interest or to prevent creation of an unfair business advantage, individuals chosen for the program will be placed with organizations that do not conduct business with them or contract for their services. Nominees should not include anyone whose membership may cast a negative light on the U.S. Air Force. The second crop of Arnold AFB Honorary Commanders will be inducted later this year. To acquire a nomination form, contact the AEDC Public Affairs Office atarnold.aedc.pa@us.af.mil; or 931-454-4204; or 100 Kindel Dr. A242, Arnold AFB, TN, 37389.
| Date Taken: | 02.10.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.13.2026 10:28 |
| Story ID: | 557850 |
| Location: | ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 4 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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