MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Col. James Dryjanski took command of the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, here yesterday.
Maj. Gen. Michael Rothstein, Curtis E. LeMay Center commander and acting Air University commander, officiated the ceremony and welcomed the new commander.
Dryjanski said he is excited to take command of the Barnes Center because of the talent that is present across the organization, which he said will help him to continue the great work that Col. Jason Hanover, former commander of the Barnes Center, has done.
“[The Barnes Center] is a powerful lever for the development of our enlisted Airmen,” Dryjanski said. “Together, it’s going to take all of our hands on that lever. We have the opportunity to change, adapt and evolve how to go about business to prepare our Air Force for the future.”
During his farewell speech, Hanover told Dryjanski that he was perfect for the job and there is no one he would want to follow him more so than him. He described the new commander as mindful, thoughtful, intelligent and strong.
Dryjanski is a command pilot with more than 3,900 flight hours in the C-21A, C-141B, C-130H3 and the C-130J aircraft. Dryjanski served as the Deputy Director of Operations and Plans at U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Before taking command of the Barnes Center, Dryjanski was the Commandant of the Air Command and Staff College.