New leader takes AAC reins

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Hansen
  • Air Armament Center Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Armament Center has a new leader following a change-of-command ceremony Jan. 12.

Brig. Gen. David Eidsaune took the reins from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Riemer as Airmen from across the center watched while in formation.

"I am truly honored and humbled to be here," General Eidsaune said. "I've been blessed in my career with outstanding command opportunities, but there is no doubt that this will be the pinnacle."

General Eidsaune comes to Eglin from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he was the commander of the Air Force Security Assistance Center. AFSAC promotes security assistance and national security objectives by building relationships with U.S. international partners. Before that assignment, he served a year in Iraq as the director of the Air Component Coordination Element for Multi-National Force-Iraq.

The Air Force Academy graduate is a command pilot with more than 2,600 flying hours, primarily in the F-111, F-4, F-15 and F-16 aircraft. He said he looks forward to continuing the good work started here by General Riemer.

"I couldn't be happier with the opportunity to come serve at Eglin with this great team," he said. "My focus will be on a continuation of the great work you have accomplished under (General Riemer's) leadership."

Presiding over the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, vice commander of the Air Force Materiel Command. She said the center is lucky to get a person with skills that fit perfectly with the mission here.

"As we move forward, I want to assure you that you are in excellent hands," she said. "I'm fully confident that he will take this center to new heights and accomplish great things for our command and our Air Force."

General Riemer leaves Eglin for Washington D.C. where he will be the program executive officer for the F-22.

He encouraged members of the AAC to push forward with their new leader and thanked everyone for their help while he was in command.

"Keep up the good work and continue to do good things," General Riemer said. "I have appreciated all the support of the men and women of AAC, the camaraderie of Team Eglin and the incredible community support and I thank you for that."