New leader takes AAC command

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Armament Center has a new leader following a change of command ceremony Aug. 19.

Maj. Gen. Kenneth Merchant took control of the center from Maj. Gen. CR Davis as Airmen from across the center stood in formation.

Merchant is no stranger to Eglin; he was assigned here from June 1986 to June 1988 as the program manager, Direct Airfield Attack Combined Munition and the executive officer to the deputy for research, development, and acquisition. He returned in May 2000 and spent two years as the director, Area Attack Weapons System Program Office. He comes to Eglin from Scott AFB, Ill., where he was the Director of Logistics for Air Mobility Command.

"If anyone told me as a first lieutenant I would be taking over this job, I'd tell them they need a rest," Merchant said. "This is a proud installation, with a 76-year history of exemplary weapons development and we continue to do exciting things."

Merchant mentioned the many changes that took place in the nine years since he left Eglin. He said the support for the warfighter, mission growth with the 7th Special Forces Group and the F-35 training center, range scheduling and budget shortfalls as some of the challenges ahead for the center. But, challenges aside, he said it's a tremendous honor to lead our joint team that makes up Team Eglin.

Davis moves to Hanscom AFB, Mass., where he will lead the Electronic Systems Center and be promoted to lieutenant general Sept. 1. The general recognized the great support he received from both Eglin and the community. He singled out the men and women of the center for their hard work.

"Eglin has proven we can support the most important training and test missions the Department of Defense thows at us," he said. "This is our legacy; we can support what this nation calls us to do."

Presiding over the ceremony was Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander. He acknowledged that changes of command are significant events and highlighted Eglin's accomplishments during the past two years. He said there was some doubt Eglin could absorb the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's directive to house both the 7th SFG and F-35, bringing $1 billion in new construction to the base.

"It fits and it's working," Hoffman said. "The preparations included the people coming in; they and their families are seamlessly integrating into the base and the community."

Hoffman also spoke of the test and acquisition business here including quick order rapid acquisition programs to support warfighter needs in theater. He reminded the audience of the more than 4,000 Airmen who have deployed from Eglin; those currently deployed are "in harm's way to support the effort over there."

In his final comment, Hoffman said he has choices when picking a commander and he picked the best one.

"General Merchant's been around this enterprise many times and is well postured to lead the great organization at Eglin to success."