Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter assumes command of AFAMS, brings global operational experience to Orlando

August 5, 2026

The Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS) welcomed a new commander on June 30 as Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter assumed command during a ceremony at Central Florida Tech Grove, reinforcing Orlando’s role as a national hub for defense modeling, simulation and training (MS&T).

Based in Orlando, AFAMS is a cornerstone of the region’s nationally recognized modeling and simulation ecosystem. The agency works closely with military organizations, industry partners, academia and other government agencies to advance live, virtual and constructive training environments while accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies that improve military readiness.

As commander, Hergenreter will oversee the agency’s efforts to develop, integrate and sustain modeling, simulation and analytics capabilities that support training, mission rehearsal, operational planning, experimentation and decision-making across the Air Force and Space Force.

The ceremony was presided over by Mark Stankiewicz, acting director of Modeling and Simulation for the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Studies and Analysis, who delivered remarks as Hergenreter officially took command of the Department of the Air Force’s lead agency for modeling and simulation.

“Lt. Col. Hergenreter’s operational experience and strategic perspective make him well prepared to lead the agency as it continues to deliver capabilities that strengthen readiness across the force,” Stankiewicz said. “His leadership will help AFAMS continue advancing the technologies essential to preparing Airmen and Guardians for future missions.”

Hergenreter arrives at AFAMS after serving as a U.S. Department of the Air Force Fellow at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaiʻi, where senior military and civilian leaders examine regional security, strategic competition and defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

Before the fellowship, he served as deputy commander of the 647th Air Base Group, 15th Wing and deputy chief of staff officer for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. In that role, he led more than 2,450 personnel across five squadrons responsible for delivering mission support for base, theater and global air and joint operations in direct support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces.

“My experiences have reinforced the importance of innovation, collaboration and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges,” Hergenreter said. “I’m honored to join AFAMS and look forward to building on its legacy while working with our partners across the Department of the Air Force and Central Florida’s defense community.”

Hergenreter assumes command as the Department of the Air Force continues expanding its use of modeling, simulation and digital engineering to prepare Airmen and Guardians for increasingly complex missions.