Master Sgt. Tabatha Arellano
Air Force Test Pilot School welcomed their newest commandant during the change of command ceremony, June 13, when Col. James Valpiani relinquished command to Col. Maryann Karlen, former Air Force Test Center deputy commander. Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, AFTC commander, officiated the event.
"The TPS modernization under Col. Valpiani's leadership has postured our community to develop the test leaders we need to achieve the AFTC strategy, to act as an integrating center, to be the stewards of the digital thread, and to lead in test and capability development. I'm confident TPS will continue to produce testers, leaders, thinkers and innovators who can shift the tide of future conflicts," said Cain.
During his remarks, Cain highlighted Valpiani’s achievements at TPS, commended his leadership, and expressed
confidence in his future contributions.
“It has been a profound honor to lead the men and women of the USAF Test Pilot School during this critical period of change,” said Valpiani. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together to advance our mission and prepare the next generation of test leaders. I’m deeply grateful to the incredible staff, students, alumni and community partners who embraced this vision and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. Their dedication has been the driving force behind the school’s success.”
Cain also presented Valpiani with the Legion of Merit during the event.
"There is no one more qualified to take the guidon than Col. Karlen. She was a key architect of this strategic plan before she left for her current assignment, and she understands it’s 'why' better than anyone," Valpiani said. "Her return ensures that the vision we forged together will be executed with force and clarity. The future of the school is in exceptionally capable hands."
During Valpiani’s tenure, TPS underwent its most transformational modernization in decades, launching a data-driven curriculum, establishing a space test course, and integrating cutting-edge autonomy into flight operations. His leadership positioned the school as a national leader in test education, earning recognition as a Collier Trophy runner-up and expanding its reach across nearly 30 air and space career fields.
As AFTC’s deputy commander, Karlen supported a $31-billion enterprise spanning more than 19,000 people across 30 geographically separated units. She oversaw developmental test and evaluation efforts for cutting-edge air, space and cyber systems, in collaboration with military, government and international partners.
“When I look at the caliber of students we have at the school, I am not only humbled to have them in my charge, but confident that the future of our enterprise, of our craft, is in good hands,” said Karlen. “As TPS continues to evolve, it remains the heart of our enterprise, connecting our past, present and future, and I am honored to take command.”
Both Cain and Valpiani emphasized Karlen’s background and leadership strengths, underscoring why she’s the ideal choice to lead the school forward.
"I'm excited to see Col. Karlen build on TPS's historic transformation,” said Cain. “Her vision and passion for TPS will no doubt make the next generation of test leaders even better than the last."
Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, Air Force Test Center commander, Col. James Valpiani, Test Pilot School outgoing commandant, Col. Maryann Karlen, TPS in-coming commandant, and Tech. Sgt. Adam Case, TPS Squadron Aviation Resource Management flight chief, standby to kick off the TPS change of command ceremony at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., June 13, 2025. The event marked the transition of leadership from Valpiani to Karlen and highlighted TPS's continued mission to lead in test education and modernization.(U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Tabatha Arellano) 
Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, Air Force Test Center commander, speaks to the accomplishments of Col. James Valpiani, outgoing Test Pilot School commandant during the TPS change of command ceremony at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., June 13, 2025. During Cain's speech he recognized the school's transformation under Valpiani and his confidence in Col. Maryann Karlen's leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Tabatha Arellano) 
Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, Air Force Test Center commander, awards the Legion of Merit to Col. James Valpiani, Test Pilot School outgoing commandant, during the TPS change of command ceremony at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., June 13, 2025. The award recognized Valpiani's pivotal role in transforming TPS into a national leader in test education and innovation. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Tabatha Arellano) 
The family of Col. James Valpiani, Test Pilot School outgoing commandant, express their excitement after he tells them of the summer plans to visit an amusement park during the TPS change of command ceremony held at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., June 13, 2025. Family, friends, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the occasion and show support for both the outgoing and incoming commandants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tabatha Arellano) 
Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, Air Force Test Center commander, passes the guidon to Col. Maryann Karlen, Test Pilot School commandant, during the change of command ceremony at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., June 13, 2025. The event marked a new chapter in TPS leadership and ongoing innovation. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Tabatha Arellano) 
Col. Maryann Karlen, Test Pilot School commandant, provides remarks and thanks as she takes the lead of the school during the TPS change of command ceremony at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., June 13, 2025. Her leadership continues a bold era of innovation, integration, and excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tabatha Arellano) 
The family of Col. Maryann Karlen, Test Pilot School commandant, smile at her remarks thanking them for their support during the change of command ceremony at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., June 13, 2025. Their presence highlighted the personal side of a day filled with tradition, gratitude, and new beginnings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tabatha Arellano) 
Col. Maryann Karlen, Test Pilot School commandant, shares a congratulatory embrace with a guest in the receiving line following the TPS change of command ceremony at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., June 13, 2025. The moment reflected the warm support from colleagues and friends as she stepped into her new role as commandant. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tabatha Arellano)