IMCOM director visits White Sands Missile Range to highlight readiness and infrastructure

By Vanessa Flores, White Sands Missile Range Public AffairsAugust 8, 2025

IMCOM director visits White Sands Missile Range to highlight readiness and infrastructure
Pat Appelman, Director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness Directorate, visited White Sands Missile Range on Aug. 7, 2025 as part of his ongoing efforts to support military readiness and infrastructure management. Appelman (far left) explored significant sites, including the Trinity Site, renowned as the location of the world's first atomic test. He is joined by White Sands Missile Range Command Sgt. Maj. Hermes Acevedo, Jenn Jett, Museum Specialist at the White Sands Missile Range Museum, White Sands Missile Range Senior Commander, Col. Andrew R. Morgan, and White Sands Test Center Commander, Col. Matthew Johnson. (Photo Credit: Scott Stearns, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Officer) VIEW ORIGINAL

White Sands Missile Range, N.M. (Aug. 8, 2025) — Pat Appelman, Director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness Directorate, recently visited White Sands Missile Range as part of his ongoing efforts to support military readiness and infrastructure management. During his visit, Appelman explored significant sites, including the Trinity Site, renowned as the location of the world's first atomic test, which was notably portrayed in the 2023 film Oppenheimer.

The visit to Trinity Site included a historical briefing led by Jenn Jett, Museum Specialist at the White Sands Missile Range Museum. Appelman's visit coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Site Test, which will be commemorated on Oct. 18, 2025, at the Trinity Site Open House.

IMCOM director visits White Sands Missile Range to highlight readiness and infrastructure
From left to right, White Sands Missile Range Garrison Commander, Col. Donyeill A. Mozer, White Sands Test Center Commander, Col. Matthew Johnson, Pat Appelman, Director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness Directorate, White Sands Missile Range Senior Commander, Col. Andrew R. Morgan, White Sands Missile Range Command Sgt. Maj. Hermes Acevedo and White Sands Missile Range Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy J. Diaz at the Trinity Site obilisk on Aug. 7, 2025. (Photo Credit: Scott Stearns, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Officer) VIEW ORIGINAL

Last month, on July 9, White Sands Missile Range celebrated its 80th anniversary as the leading facility for missile and rocket testing in the United States. The range has played a vital role in advancing America's missile and space technologies, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of defense and technology. Over the past 80 years, each generation has contributed to a legacy of innovation and exploration, which remains essential to the installation's mission. This legacy will be commemorated on Oct. 17, 2025, at White Sands Missile Range.

This experience allowed Appelman to gain deeper insights into the range's pivotal role in history and its continued significance to military operations.

From left to right, White Sands Missile Range Garrison Commander, Col. Donyeill A. Mozer, Richard Anderson, Director of Emergency Services, Pat Appelman, Director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness Directorate, and White...
From left to right, White Sands Missile Range Garrison Commander, Col. Donyeill A. Mozer, Richard Anderson, Director of Emergency Services, Pat Appelman, Director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness Directorate, and White Sands Missile Range Senior Commander, Col. Andrew R. Morgan at White Sands Missile Range on Aug. 7, 2025. (Photo Credit: Scott Stearns, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Officer) VIEW ORIGINAL

Appelman not only addressed the historical aspects of his visit but also took the opportunity to meet with the leadership of the White Sands Missile Range and key team members. He expressed his gratitude for their hard work and dedication, highlighting the vital role their efforts play in supporting warfighter readiness and deployability. Appelman also took time during his visit to recognize some WSMR Garrison employees for their outstanding work.

Pat Appelman, Director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness Directorate, visited White Sands Missile Range on Aug. 7, 2025, and recognized employees for their outstanding efforts, including Stephanie Madrid, Director of...
Pat Appelman, Director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness Directorate, visited White Sands Missile Range on Aug. 7, 2025, and recognized employees for their outstanding efforts, including Stephanie Madrid, Director of School Age Services. (Photo Credit: Scott Stearns, White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Officer) VIEW ORIGINAL

“The dependency between a range and its base operations support are tightly linked, and that is especially true here on America's Range,” said White Sands Missile Range Senior Commander, Col. Andrew R. Morgan. “We appreciate Mr. Appelman's visit, and as a former garrison commander, I especially appreciate the expertise that Installation Management Command brings to Team WSMR and our vital test and evaluation mission!”

IMCOM's mission includes providing services for soldiers and their families, managing the infrastructure of the Regular Army, and ensuring readiness for warfighters.

As the IMCOM-Readiness Directorate continues to prioritize these goals, Appelman’s visit reinforces the commitment to enhancing the capabilities and well-being of soldiers and their families, ensuring that they are prepared for the challenges ahead.

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