"Experience in many facets of the program from many perspectives helps establish credibility with the warfighter community, with the company, and with people in the acquisition community. The warfighter community doesn't always trust the acquisition community. My background will help establish and build that trust."

Nelson has actively flown in support of test and evaluation programs since 1987, except for the two years he spent at the Pentagon on the Air Staff as Deputy Chief, Advanced Technology Division, Air Force Special Programs Directorate. ...When the offer for the flight test job at Edwards came last spring, Nelson gladly gave up his desk job at the Pentagon to fly the Air Force's most advanced fighter.

"That's John Boyd, who may well be one of the hottest pilots around, you should meet him."