On the morning of Aug. 4, 2026, White Sands Missile Range marked a significant milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Building 21241 in the Survivability, Vulnerability, and Assessment Directorate Complex. The event celebrated the completion and grand opening of the Narrow Band Test Facility, the latest achievement in WSMR’s ongoing infrastructure modernization efforts. Col. Michael Lueckeman, the White Sands Missile Range Garrison Commander, provided the remarks.

“The testing conducted in this building will directly support the development and assessment of systems that will ensure our soldiers, our sailors, and our airmen can fight, survive and win on our nation’s future battlefields against the most sophisticated and lethal adversaries and threats,” said Lueckeman. The ceremony brought together key members of the WSMR Command Team and the Garrison WSMR Command Team, as well as representatives from SVAD. Their presence emphasized the collaborative effort required to bring the facility from concept to reality.

Lueckeman also recognized specific individuals whose hard work and dedication were instrumental to the project’s success:

• Josephina Sarid
• Sandra Saldivar-Valles
• Michael Pace
• Philip Lovato
• Melina Sanchez
• Tony Saenzorozco
• Julia Kirton
• Gustavo Sierra
• Gabe Guitierez

As dignitaries gathered, the ribbon was cut, formally recognizing the facility’s readiness for operations. The Narrow Band Test Facility stands as a testament to the dedication and teamwork of those involved, promising to advance the mission capabilities at White Sands Missile Range for years to come.