Maj. Gen. Davis takes helm of Air Armament Center

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Armament Center welcomed its new commander, Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis, during a change-of-command ceremony officiated by Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, May 1 at Hangar 103. 

General Davis, an Air Force Academy graduate and an experimental test pilot with more than 3,300 flying hours, took the helm from Maj. Gen. David Eidsaune, who is headed to Wright-Patterson AFB. Ohio, as director of the Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command. 

General Hoffman said General Davis brings an array of experiences with several major defense acquisition programs and is prepared for the challenges ahead. 

"No one is more qualified to address the difficult challenges of fielding the Joint Strike Fighter," General Hoffman said. "He knows these challenges, he knows all the partners and stakeholders that are dependent on this very important weapons system and he knows how to work with the community to address their concerns about this change in mission." 

General Davis came to Eglin from his post as Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Program Office, the Department of Defense's largest ever procurement effort. He stressed the significance of training pilots from eight countries and 13 services here at Eglin in the near future. 

"It's what they learn from the Northwest Florida community and Team Eglin that will stick with them throughout their careers," the general said. 

However, General Davis made a point of saying he's not "the F-35 guy sent here to make the F-35 mission work." He said he will also focus on continuing weapons programs and upgrades for existing aircraft. The Air Armament Center is in charge of development, acquisition, testing and deployment of all Air Force weapons systems. 

General Hoffman commended General Eidsaune for a superb job balancing mission execution, safety, best value for the tax payer and quality of life for Team Eglin. 

"He has prepared Eglin AFB for mission growth," the general said. "Base realignment and closure mission guidance has been initiated and is on track. Despite difficult challenges, he has chartered the way ahead for receiving the Army's 7th Special Forces Group and the integrated training center for the Joint Strike Fighter." 

General Eidsaune noted he was leaving after marking several important milestones in the past few months including the groundbreaking for the Army 7th Special Forces Group and the recent visit of the AA-1 test F-35, which was parked in the hangar for the ceremony. 

Pointing to the test aircraft in the hangar, the general said Eglin is making history. 

"It's the first time the F-35 has been involved in a change of command and you got to see it here today," General Eidsaune said. 

His advice to General Davis was to get out and see Team Eglin. 

"(We're) 23,000 strong, growing to 28,000 plus, and it's an amazing cross section of missions and people," General Eidsaune said. "This is a fascinating place to work. I can't think of a week in the last 2-1/2 years that I didn't learn something new about Eglin."