Cain pins on first star

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Vollmer
  • 96th Test Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Incoming 96th Test Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Scott A. Cain, received his star during a ceremony at the 40th Flight Test Squadron here July 2.

“Everything we do, all the sacrifices we make, are grounded in what we value and all of that is rooted in our families,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher P. Azzano, Air Force Test Center commander and presiding officer at Cain’s promotion ceremony.

Speaking to Cain’s family members and base leadership, Azzano remarked on Cain’s contributions to the Air Force and his history at both Eglin and the 40th FLTS. Cain served as the squadron’s commander from June 2010 to July 2012.

“Cain has had a tremendous career and there have been highlights allowing him to distinguish himself as a leader,” Azzano said. “If you ask him what he values most about his career, he’ll tell you it’s the opportunities he had to develop weapons of the future, first as an F-16 test pilot, and then as the commander of this great organization.”

After having his stars pinned on by his wife, Michelle and their two children, Cain thanked his family and friends and addressed his new role in the Air Force.

“I view this promotion as an opportunity to continue to lead Airmen and build the future,” he said. “I define success by three things: first, by mission accomplishment and how well we articulate the mission; second, by establishing a culture where people can thrive; and lastly, by making subordinates better than you are so they can take your place as they follow.”

Prior to his selection as Eglin’s commander, Cain led the Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold AFB, Tenn., where he oversaw the operation of more than 55 aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels, rocket and turbine engine test cells, environmental chambers, arc heaters, ballistic ranges, sled tracks, centrifuges and other specialized units.

Throughout his career, the newly minted general has flown 29 aircraft including the F-35, F-16 and F-117 and accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours. This is Cain’s 16th assignment, marking 24 years since he was commissioned.