New AAC commander arrives, eyes Eglin future

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  When the new Air Armament Center Commander Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis, was informed of his assignment here, he described his reaction with one word -- "elation." 

"It was unexpected, but based on the skills I've gained over the last five years, to be able to come down and work this mission is a perfect match," the general said referring to his previous role as the program executive officer for the Joint Strike Fighter at the Pentagon. "I've learned quite a bit about the base over the last year and a half. The sense of continuity is beneficial, so I can hit the ground running."

The general said his previous assignment provided him thorough knowledge into many of the JSF's key issues such as infrastructure needs, environmental, range, space as well as economic concerns and how it will affect the base and communities.
But JSF experience isn't the only thing General Davis brings to the center. He has been through test pilot training and flown those missions. He's also managed many aircraft programs and now looks to incorporate that knowledge into Eglin's various weapons programs.

"I feel there's a lot to offer by bringing that synergy together," said the General Davis.

This area is of a personal interest to the general and he has included it in his list of priorities.

"We at the AAC can do a better job trying to help build a strategic plan on how we produce more synergy between the weapons and the airframe," said the general, whose previous assignments include flying duties in the T-38, F-15, A-7, F-117A and F-16. "The levels of technology and capability between the two have always been out-of-sync and mismatched. We have the technology and experience at the center to rebalance that equation and really achieve that slogan 'more bang for the buck.' I'm really hoping to make some progress on this in the next few years."

Just as important in General Davis' priorities are the sustained support of the ongoing missions and testing located here.

"Those core missions must be able to continue uninterrupted through the new transitions Eglin will experience," said the 30-year veteran. "Those out there training and testing are our pipeline direct to the warfighters today."

While supporting today's fight, the general said he must also look forward and prepare for Eglin's growing future.

"We have to make sure to successfully stand up these new missions -- be it the Joint Strike Fighter or the 7th Special Forces Group," he said. "We have to do it as seamlessly as possible, especially for the special forces group because they must continue to train and deploy even as this transition takes place."

But as the base changes and takes on these new missions, the general stressed the importance of not losing sight of maintaining and updating the base to support those operations.

"We have to have a vision for the center to ensure a viable infrastructure -- from facilities, maintenance, water, electric, dorms, housing, the environment," said the general. "If we don't pay attention to these core issues now, we won't be able to support those missions 10 or 20 years into the future."

During this time of transition for Eglin, General Davis said he would make sure to keep Team Eglin and the community informed of the base's future plans and progression. 

"I will build a personal engagement plan for the community, military affairs, local and state elected officials and, of course Team Eglin," he said. "I feel a personal responsibility to sit down and discuss the issues, hear the concerns and address them as best I can."

But in between community activities, acquisition and transition, General Davis said he would try to find time for one of his favorite hobbies.

"I love the ocean and in particular cave diving," he said, smiling. "And Florida has some of the largest underwater caves in the world. So yeah, I'm definitely in the right place."