New commander takes helm of LeMay Center Published Aug. 5, 2011 By Christopher Kratzer Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Major Gen. Thomas Andersen took command of the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education July 28, succeeding Maj. Gen. David Fadok, who later this month will be taking command of Air University from Lt. Gen. Allen Peck. During the LeMay Center change-of-command ceremony, Peck commended Fadok's leadership and charged Andersen to continue the center's reputation for excellence. "Tom and Sherri, we welcome you back to Maxwell," Peck said. "Tom will be filling big shoes, but I know he's up to the task, as he takes on the leadership of the renowned LeMay Center and assumes duties as dedicated vice commander of Air University." Fadok, who has also been serving as the vice commander of Air University, thanked Peck for his service to Air University and said he was honored to have served under him. "It's been an honor to be your understudy as the vice commander for this past year," Fadok said. "I've had the privilege of working directly for the last three AU commanders. I've learned from three straight predecessors. How many general officers can say that moving into a new command? No pressure there." Fadok said he could not think of a better person to step into his role at LeMay Center than Andersen. Andersen congratulated Fadok on his upcoming role as Air University commander and said he was ready to take on the challenges as commander of LeMay Center. "I'm really looking forward to this assignment," he said. "I've been blessed with the opportunity to be in a lot of ops and training environments. I've done a little programming, requirements work and some strategy work, and this is the wrapper that puts it all together. I'm excited to go full-circle with it." Andersen was assigned to Maxwell as a student at both Air War College and Air Command and Staff College. As LeMay Center commander, Andersen is responsible for overseeing the development of operational-level doctrine and establishing the Air Force's position in joint and multinational doctrine. While the command is a big responsibility, Andersen said he is looking forward to working with the team Fadok had put in place. He encouraged LeMay Center personnel to continue their excellent work. "We are going to work hard, we are going to work smart and we are going to work fun," he said. "We are going to work hard because what we are doing is important. We are going to work smart because any work that is 'misfocused' is a waste of time. Lastly, we are going to work fun."