AFCENT Air Warfare Center welcomes new commander

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jacob Morgan | U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Hesterman III, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, left, passes the Air Warfare Center guide-on to U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew R. Brabson, AFCENT AWC commander, during a ceremony, undisclosed location, Southwest Asia, Aug. 14.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

08.20.2013

Story by Senior Airman Jacob Morgan 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - Col. Andrew R. Brabson took command of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Air Warfare Center from Col. Daniel W. Tippett during a ceremony Aug. 14 undisclosed location, Southwest Asia. Presiding over the change of command was Lt. Gen. John Hesterman III, AFCENT commander.

"[Tippett] has a train like you fight mentality, which has been invaluable," said Hesterman. "He has been an outstanding operational commander. I am impressed with what has happened here in two years. [The Air Warfare Center] has far exceeded expectations. Moving forward, [Brabson] will focus the significant talent here on the enormous potential of the Air Warfare Center."

After taking command, Brabson, who calls Eagle River, Alaska home, spoke of the future of the AFCENT AWC.

"I look forward to working together and strengthening both countries," said Brabson. "We will leverage previous successes to new heights."

Brabson will perform a wide scope of responsibilities in a multinational environment and implement policies for the AFCENT commander in support of the chief of staff of the Air Force's theater security cooperation plan.

Previously, Brabson was the commander of the 47th Operations Group at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. As commander, he was responsible for undergraduate flying training for U.S. Air Force and allied officers. He commanded a flying operation that exceeded 80,000 flying hours and 54,000 sorties per year. His command responsibilities included nearly 1,200 Air Force and civilian personnel.

Brabson graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1989, earning his commission through the Air Force Reserve Officers Corps training program and is a graduate of the Air Force's School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. He has flown as an F-15E Strike Eagle Weapon Systems Officer and as an instructor pilot in the F-15C Eagle and T-6 Texan II.

Brabson concluded the ceremony speaking to the members of the AWC and host nation partners.

"I look forward to the growth of inoperability, of mutual trust and collective defense," said Brabson. "It is an honor to be part of [AFCENT AWC], together we can be the change and make a difference."

Tippett, who calls McConnelsville, Ohio, home, was awarded the Bronze Star for his service as commander of the AFCENT AWC. He will serve as the combat air forces board chief for air staff's strategic plans and programs at the Pentagon.

• Date Taken: 08.20.2013
• Date Posted: 08.20.2013 04:45
• Story ID: 112253
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)
• Hometown: EAGLE RIVER, ALASKA, US
• Hometown: MCCONNELSVILLE, OHIO, US