MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Brigadier Gen. William Freeman took command of Air War College from Brig. Gen. Michael Rawls during a change of command ceremony on July 7, 2022, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
Major Gen. William Holt, acting commander Air University and commander, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, presided over the ceremony.
A 1996 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Freeman is a master navigator and electronic warfare officer with more than 3,200 hours, including 510 combat hours, in MC-130E/H/J aircraft.
The general has held a variety of special operations flying and staff positions, to include instructor and evaluator, and has commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels at locations around the world.
“My family and I are honored to join the Air University and Maxwell family, along with integrating into Montgomery and the other River Region communities,” said Freeman. “We look forward to bringing our experiences from the last few years in Europe, and multiple overseas assignments, into the Air War College and throughout the Air Education and Training Command community.”
Freeman’s previous assignment was as director of operations, U.S. Special Operations Command-Europe, Stuttgart, Germany. He has also flown in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Our nation’s future success is determined by our ability to conduct joint all-domain operations and leverage our greatest strategic advantage … our alliances and partnerships,” he said. “At Air War College, we will focus on the ‘integrated’ piece of the National Defense Strategy and further develop our relationships. To the college faculty and staff, together, we will face many challenges, but I know that our Air University culture, rooted in core values, has prepared us for those challenges. I charge each of you to continue to serve with integrity, help one another through personal and professional sacrifices, and always strive for excellence. I pledge to give you the same in return. Our continued success demands nothing less.”