Warfare Center welcomes new commander Published Nov. 30, 2010 By Senior Airman Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Maj. Gen. James W. Hyatt assumed command of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center from Maj. Gen Ted Kresge during a change of command ceremony at the Thunderbird hangar Nov. 30. Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander of Air Combat Command presided over the event. "The Warfare Center is one of the most unique and diverse organizations in the Air Force," said General Fraser. "To lead the Warfare Center is no easy task with more than 10,000 Airmen, across 20 states, in five wings, a center of excellence, 19 detachments and one of our national treasures, the Nevada Test and Training Range. I have complete faith in General Hyatt's ability to lead this key organization and its talented Airmen." 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. "I have been blessed with more than my share of memorable assignments, but this one has truly been the experience of a lifetime," General Kresge said. "It's not the vast installation, facilities, fleets of aircraft, miles of ranges and billions of dollars worth of infrastructure that makes the Warfare Center the 'heart and soul of the Air Force.' It's the Airmen, who are the center of gravity and the best and brightest of the Air Force." General Hyatt became commander of the Warfare Center after serving as the Special Assistant to the Director of Operations and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. "I am proud to be here with the great Airmen who make up five wings and two direct reporting units," General Hyatt said. "I look forward to working with them to continue shaping how our force fights the wars of today and prepares for those of tomorrow." "You are trading up with Major General Hyatt," General Kresge said to the Airmen in attendance. "A quick read of his biography will tell you that your new commander was tailor-made for this job." At the ceremony's conclusion, Staff Sgt. John Howard, a HH-60 Pave Hawk crew chief assigned to the 763rd Maintenance Squadron, unveiled General Hyatt's name on the USAFWC's flagship, an HH-60 from the 66th Rescue Squadron. This tradition is unique for flying commanders. "It's a great day for General Kresge, who's moving on to even bigger and better things and it's also a great day for ACC and the Air Force because General Hyatt is taking command of an asset that is crucial to our war-fighting capability," General Fraser said. General Kresge will assume command of the 13th Air Force at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
