Arnold AFB team members gather for 3rd annual Christmas tree lighting

The Arnold Air Force Base Christmas tree is lit during a ceremony Dec. 4, 2025, at Arnold AFB, Tenn., headquarters of Arnold Engineering Development Complex. The tree measures 40 feet tall and 22 feet wide. It is decorated with approximately 300 ornaments and is topped with a 5-foot 3D five-point star. The tree was purchased in 2023 after installation leadership expressed a desire for a Christmas tree to be displayed at a prominent location at Arnold AFB. This marks the third year a ceremony has been held to celebrate its lighting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh)

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Arnold AFB team members gather for 3rd annual Christmas tree lighting

Arnold Engineering Development Complex Commander Col. Grant Mizell, center, speaks to those gathered at the Arnold Air Force Base Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 4, 2025. Pictured to Mizell’s right is AEDC Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Evan McCoy. The Christmas tree at Arnold AFB, Tenn., headquarters of AEDC, was purchased in 2023 after installation leadership expressed a desire for a Christmas tree to be displayed at a prominent location on the base. The tree measures 40 feet tall and 22 feet wide. It is decorated with approximately 300 ornaments and is topped with a 5-foot 3D five-point star. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh)

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Arnold AFB team members gather for 3rd annual Christmas tree lighting

Arnold Engineering Development Complex Commander Col. Grant Mizell welcomes the crowd at the Arnold Air Force Base Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 4, 2025. Pictured to Mizell’s left is his wife, Evelyn. The Christmas tree at Arnold AFB, Tenn., headquarters of AEDC, was purchased in 2023 after installation leadership expressed a desire for a Christmas tree to be displayed at a prominent location on the base. The tree measures 40 feet tall and 22 feet wide. It is decorated with approximately 300 ornaments and is topped with a 5-foot 3D five-point star. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh)

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Arnold AFB team members gather for 3rd annual Christmas tree lighting

The Tullahoma Civic Choir performs Christmas carols during the Arnold Air Force Base Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 4, 2025. The tree at Arnold AFB, Tenn., headquarters of AEDC, was purchased in 2023 after installation leadership expressed a desire for a Christmas tree to be displayed at a prominent location on the base. The tree measures 40 feet tall and 22 feet wide. It is decorated with approximately 300 ornaments and is topped with a 5-foot 3D five-point star. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh)

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Arnold AFB team members gather for 3rd annual Christmas tree lighting

The Tullahoma Civic Choir performs Christmas carols during the Arnold Air Force Base Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Dec. 4, 2025. The tree at Arnold AFB, Tenn., headquarters of AEDC, was purchased in 2023 after installation leadership expressed a desire for a Christmas tree to be displayed at a prominent location on the base. The tree measures 40 feet tall and 22 feet wide. It is decorated with approximately 300 ornaments and is topped with a 5-foot 3D five-point star. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh)

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Arnold AFB team members gather for 3rd annual Christmas tree lighting

Arnold Engineering Development Complex Commander Col. Grant Mizell, center, and AEDC Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Evan McCoy receive a helping hand with the plunger used to light the Arnold Air Force Base Christmas tree during the tree lighting ceremony Dec. 4, 2025. The Christmas tree at Arnold AFB, Tenn., headquarters of AEDC, was purchased in 2023 after installation leadership expressed a desire for a Christmas tree to be displayed at a prominent location on the base. The tree measures 40 feet tall and 22 feet wide. It is decorated with approximately 300 ornaments and is topped with a 5-foot 3D five-point star. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh)

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Arnold AFB team members gather for 3rd annual Christmas tree lighting

Santa, portrayed by Joe Owens, was on hand to hear the holiday wishes of young attendees during the Arnold Air Force Base Christmas tree lighting Dec. 4, 2025. The Christmas tree at Arnold AFB, Tenn., headquarters of AEDC, was purchased in 2023 after installation leadership expressed a desire for a Christmas tree to be displayed at a prominent location on the base. The tree measures 40 feet tall and 22 feet wide. It is decorated with approximately 300 ornaments and is topped with a 5-foot 3D five-point star. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh)

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Arnold AFB team members gather for 3rd annual Christmas tree lighting

Published Dec. 11, 2025
By Keith Thornburgh
AEDC Public Affairs

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- The Arnold Air Force Base Christmas tree is lit during a ceremony Dec. 4, 2025, at Arnold AFB, Tenn., headquarters of Arnold Engineering Development Complex. The tree measures 40 feet tall and 22 feet wide. It is decorated with approximately 300 ornaments and is topped with a 5-foot 3D five-point star. The tree was purchased in 2023 after installation leadership expressed a desire for a Christmas tree to be displayed at a prominent location at Arnold AFB. This marks the third year a ceremony has been held to celebrate its lighting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Keith Thornburgh)