Col. Price assumes command of Barnes Center Published March 4, 2011 By Kelly Deichert Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The commander of Air University was proud to welcome Col. Stewart Price to the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education during an assumption of command ceremony Feb. 24. Colonel Price is replacing Col. Charles Wade Johnson, who retired. "(Colonel Price) will be absolutely tremendous at the Barnes Center," Lt. Gen. Allen Peck said at the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy auditorium. Colonel Price and his wife, Nancy, are no strangers to the Maxwell and AU communities. His previous assignment as vice commander of the Holm Center will make him an asset to the Barnes Center team, General Peck said. "I'm really looking forward to Stu Price's leadership," he said. Colonel Price is thankful for this opportunity to develop future NCOs for the Air Force. "This mission is absolutely phenomenal," he said. "It's humbling to be part of this organization." Colonel Price will be a part of a legacy of commanders whose goal is to train, educate and graduate America's enlisted Airmen in skills and competencies that enhance their ability to accomplish the Air Force mission, General Peck said. "What an honor this is," Colonel Price said. "(The assignments) keep getting better." Colonel Price received his commission in 1985 through the Air Force ROTC program at Texas A&M University (Commerce). Previous assignments include electronic warfare officer in the B-52G and the RC-135 RIVET JOINT aircraft, the operations officer and commander of the Air Force's Electronic Warfare Training School, and commander of th 316th Mission Support Group, Andrews AFB, Md. He has served in a variety of staff positions, including Headquarters Air Intelligence Agency, the U.S. European Command and Headquarters Air Combat Command. The Barnes Center is named after Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Thomas Barnes, the only African-American to hold that position. "He was a strong advocate for enlisted education," General Peck said. The facility has been responsible for the education of future enlisted leaders throughout the Air Force since 1993. Its mission is to provide the education necessary to inspire and develop enlisted leaders with the moral framework of integrity, service and excellence. The Barnes Center oversees the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute, the Air Force SNCOA, Air Force CONUS Non-Commissioned Officer Academies and the Educational Programs Cadre.