USAF warfare center welcomes new commander Published May 19, 2009 By Nellis Public Affairs 99th Air Base Wing NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Brig. Gen. Ted Kresge, previously director of Air, Space and Nuclear Operations, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colo., took command of the United States Air Force Warfare Center at the Thunderbird Hangar here, May 18. Maj. Gen. Stephen Hoog relinquished his command to General Kresge. Presiding over the event was Gen. John D.W. Corley, commander of Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Va. "We're here to recognize a really great family [Hoog family] that has led this organization and have done so willingly," General Corley said. "Also, we're here to welcome our new leadership team that will take us to even greater heights. It's a big deal for our Air Force as we mark this transition. For six decades, Airmen have honed their warfighting skills for the purposes of defending our freedom, defending our homeland and defending our great way of life." After General Corley's remarks, General Hoog addressed the crowd for the final time as the USAFWC commander and welcomed General Kresge and his family. "I am humbly honored to have the opportunity to serve as your commander," General Hoog said. "Nellis and the warfare center represent the center of combat readiness in that you laid a foundation with mission tactics, testing and training that now serves our entire Air Force. The combination of talent and combat skills are simply unmatched. We pride ourselves with taking cutting edge combat capabilities to the fight. If you ask anyone who's been in the Air Force for more than just a few years, I will tell you and they will tell you that's it's our awesome Airmen that you see today who are routinely achieving the unachievable. Welcome aboard." General Hoog served at Nellis as the 57th Wing commander in 2007 and was selected as the USAFWC commander in 2008. He leaves Nellis to become the deputy of Combined Forces Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command. Following the time honored tradition of passing the guidon from the outgoing commander to the new commander was General Kresge's acceptance remarks. "We're the finest Air Force in history, and I am sobered by the belief that the warfare center is our heart and soul," said General Kresge. "Serving the United States Air Force Warfare Center is not an assignment, it's a calling. I am honored to join the ranks of Airmen who have answered that call. Thank you." Before the ceremony concluded, Staff Sgt. James Goodnight, an F-15C Eagle crew chief assigned to the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, unveiled General Kresge's name on the USAFWC's flagship, an F-15C Eagle from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron here. This tradition is unique for flying commanders. The mission of the USAFWC is to shape the way the Air Force fights through operational training, tactics development and advanced training in air, space and cyberspace at the operational and tactical levels.
