Spaatz Center welcomes new commander Published June 3, 2011 By Christopher Kratzer Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson assumed command of the Carl A. Spaatz Center for Officer Education May 27. General Hanson, who assumes a position that is dual-hatted as the Air War College commandant, took command from Maj. Gen. Robert Kane, who moves on to the Pentagon to become the director of global reach programs for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. Air University Commander Lt. Gen. Allen Peck said that even though the positions of Commander, Spaatz Center, and Commandant of the Air War College, are significant undertakings, he knows General Hanson is up to the challenge. There's "a lot to do, but Scott is the right guy to come in and pick up where Rob left off." General Kane was thanked for his leadership and the work he has done for AU. He said he was appreciative of the opportunity to serve the organization. "I've learned a lot about being a military unit with a university characteristic," General Kane said. "Thank you for embracing [my wife] Katie and me over the last 15 months and letting us join the Spaatz family and the Air War College family." General Hanson thanked General Peck for his trust and confidence shown in allowing him to take command. "I can't help but think, a decade ago as I sat in the seats you are sitting in now, I did not think I'd be standing before you today behind this lectern," General Hanson said. "I am absolutely thrilled at this opportunity, and I will pour all the passion and energy I can muster into the mission and the people that provide this world-class, professional military education for our officers." As the commander of the Spaatz Center and Air War College commandant, General Hanson is responsible for directing officer professional education, research and outreach as well as overseeing Air War College's senior leader development programs. General Hanson earned his commission from Officer Training School in 1984. He has commanded at the detachment, squadron and wing levels. He was deputy director of U.S. Central Command's deployment and distribution operations center supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He was also the director of the Iraq training and advisory mission and commander of the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing in Iraq.