U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander receives second star

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ryan Whitney
  • 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (ACCNS) --  The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander received his second star in a promotion ceremony held at the Nellis Officers' Club Aug. 10.

Newly pinned Maj. Gen. Ted Kresge, has been the USAFWC commander since May 19. The ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. (ret.) L.D. Johnston, former USAFWC commander and friend of General Kresge.

Recounting various events from throughout General Kresge's career, General Johnston painted a picture to those present of what he had accomplished thus far in his 29 year career.

"We all know where we were Sept. 11. [General Kresge] was the Operations Group commander at Langley AFB. Following the terrorist attacks of that date, he landed training jets and loaded live weapons, and launched an unprecedented air patrol in defense of the nation's capital...all without direction," said General Johnston. "He didn't wait for someone to tell him that business had to be done."

After General Johnston's comments, General Kresge took the oath of office, and then had his wife and daughters pin on his new rank.

"I couldn't have reached this milestone without you girls, and I don't think I would want too." Said General Kresge. "My three daughters have lived in more than 13 different houses so far, and the support they have given has helped make all this possible."

The USAFWC's mission is to shape the way our force fights through operational testing, tactics development, and advanced training in air, space, and cyberspace at the operational and tactical levels. From the advanced training schools and integrated training venues to testing and tactics development programs, the center provides a means to equip the force with proven technology, current tactics, academic training and an opportunity to practice integrated force employment.

"This was one of the first jobs that I got where I was completely shocked to receive it," General Kresge said. "It's not a dream come true to me, because to dream of something of this magnitude you would hurt yourself. But what makes this job so wonderful, and why it's the best two-star job, is the 10,000 most talented, motivated, committed people in the Air Force."