New director appointed to 308th ARSW

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 308th Armament Systems Wing appointed its new director, Randy Brown, Sept. 11 during a ceremony at the officers' club. 

"This was a long time coming to get Randy as the newest member of Team Eglin," said Maj. Gen. C.R. Davis, Air Armament Center commander, who presided over the ceremony. "This is the first of some positive changes to come to the 308th." 

Among the changes the general referred to is the 308th's transition from a wing to a directorate as part of the new realignment plan to the acquisition wings announced Sept. 10. 

But the day wasn't just about the future. During the ceremony, Mr. Brown as well as General Davis, reflected on the events of 9/11 and the new world that arose in the days after. 

"That was a marker in time for Americans, like Kennedy's assassination or the space shuttle explosion," said Mr. Brown, after asking the crowd to observe a moment of silent remembrance. "It lead us down a different direction and it's one of the reasons we do what we do every day to protect this country." 

Mr. Brown attributed his success and new position to his 81-year-old father Bill, who gave the invocation for the ceremony. 

"As a farmer in Kansas City, Mo., he taught me not to get overwhelmed by life," said Mr. Brown, who presented his father with a memento during the event. "Just like the crops, sometimes the weapons go well, sometimes they don't, but like the farmer you don't give up and just press forward." 

Mr. Brown brings to the Eglin 'family' his wife of 30 years and a son who's a senior in high school. He also brings his four "P" principles (people, processes, product, pride), to the 308th, which he detailed at the event. 

General Davis said Mr. Brown had some challenges coming for the future of the 308th with the transition of legacy weapons and shifting of its workforce from contractors to civilian positions. But he said he knew he chose the right person to handle them. 

"He (Mr. Brown) has a big job ahead, but he is more than qualified to do it," said General Davis.