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Roberson takes command of AETC

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Beth Anschutz
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson took command of the Air Education and Training Command in a ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph July 21.

Outgoing commander, Gen. Robin Rand, handed Roberson the reins before heading to his new assignment as the Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

The ceremony was officiated by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III.

“To the 62,000 men and women of the First Command, who recruit, train and educate the more than 660,000 Airmen of our Total Force, thank you for inspiring me,” Welsh said. “Your efforts uphold all of our people programs. It blues and re-blues everyone in this unstoppable force. Despite political uncertainty and waning budgets, you infallibly develop our most valuable asset: the Airmen you educate and train. You build Airmen and there is no more sacred task in our Air Force.”

Welsh highlighted some of the accomplishments of Rand during his tenure, to include the stand-up of the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence, or PACE, the addition of Airmen’s Week to Basic Military Training, and other changes to the way the Air Force recruits, trains and educates through its First Command.

“Our Air Force simply can’t fly fight and win without you,” Welsh said to the men and women in attendance.

Rand took the floor and passed the praise to the Airmen of AETC.

“These great Airmen did all the hard work and I’m so darn proud of them,” Rand said. “Thank you, Chief, for the opportunity to command them.”

Rand used his time at the podium to thank the numerous distinguished visitors, commanders, civic and Air Force leaders in the audience. He encouraged the Airmen of AETC to keep up the hard work.

“You do something no other major command does: you produce, educate and train the future leaders of our Air Force. The next Air Force Chief of Staff, Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and all other leaders and commanders start in AETC,” Rand said.

Rand passed the command flag to Roberson and the newest AETC Commander took a moment to speak to the Airmen of AETC for the first time.

“There are a few words to express how I’m feeling today: humbled, honored and extremely excited. I’m excited because of what AETC does for our Air Force and to be able to continue to serve among such stellar teammates and warriors who have pledged their lives to the defense of our great country,” Roberson said. “The mission of our command is vital to the success of our Air Force and the American way of war, since Air Power is such a core piece of how we fight. Air Power starts here.”

Roberson ended the ceremony with a call to action for the command.

“To Air Education and Training Command members, I am excited to serve alongside you and I promise to give you my best effort every day. I will focus on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of our Airmen and families, innovation and leadership,” Roberson said. “What I would ask of you is a commitment to excellence each day as we forge innovative Airmen to power our Air Force.”