Message posted by SPM on January 13, 2020 at 14:50:10 PST:
The Department of Defense announced today (1/13/20) the new list of officers promoted to Brigadier General. One of interest is Colonel Matthew W. Higer. In July of 2018 he moved on from command of the Air Force Test Pilot School. The announcement of his successor there says that "Higer is moving on to become wing commander at another base." On the promotion list, Higer is listed as "Commander, Data Masked, Air Force Material Command, WPAFB." Given his background and the use of "data masked" this almost certainly means he is the commander at "Area 51." Several likely commanders there have been nominated for promotion to brigadier general, however, this is the first time I am aware of an officer being nominated while serving in that position. This strongly - but not conclusively - indicates a significant increase in the profile of the organization (likely designated a wing) such that the position of commander is seen to be on a par with the equivalent "conventional" wings such as the 20th Fighter Wing. As I said, officers who have likely commanded the organization have been promoted, but usually only after an additional assignment. Again, not a dramatic revelation, but an additional data point.
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