New Warfare Center CC visits 53rd Wing, area units

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Newly appointed United States Air Force Warfare Center Commander, Brig. Gen. Ted Kresge visited the 53d Wing June 22-24, to wrap up his Gulf Coast immersion and preside over the 53d's assumption of command.

The general is no stranger to the area, having served as commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing from 2003-2004. After spending two days learning the 53d wing's mission, he said he was astounded by its intricacy.

"I knew about the 53rd Wing, but I had no idea the breadth and complexity of it," said the general.

He also spoke highly of the wing's people and their commitment to the warfighter and told them so during the assumption of command ceremony.

"The men and women of 53d Wing make sure no young Airman go into harm's way with untried weapons," said the 29-year veteran. "They are determined to ensure that doesn't happen - that's not just a mission statement, that's a calling."

The general said his plans are for the Center to take a new direction that will live up to its name as the 'Air Force' Warfare Center.

"Right now I feel we are only focused on the combat air forces," he said. "I want to make it so the Warfare Center can help all MAJCOMs. This is a perfect time to start, too, with Global Strike Command coming on line and Air Force Space Command picking up MAJCOM responsibilities for
cyber."

Looking back at his career, the general said his time at and graduation from the Air Force Weapons School was one of the moments that affected his career the most.

"It is one of the most mentally demanding training programs in the Air Force," said the F-15 pilot. "But also, you make such an enormous commitment to those who've gone through it and the institute itself to be at your best at all times. That is a life-changing event and you carry it through your career."

Now, in charge of the USAFWC, the weapons school under his command. The general said he looks forward to leading the Airmen of Nellis AFB and the other wings under his authority.