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LeMay Center changes leadership

  • Published
  • By Carl Bergquist
  • Air University Public Affairs
Lt. Gen. Allen Peck, Air University commander, capped the events of last week by officiating Friday at the change of command for the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education.

Maj. Gen Maurice Forsyth, who is retiring, handed the reins of the LeMay Center to Maj. Gen. David Fadok.

General Peck said it had been an "amazing week" at Air University, but none of the events that took place were more important than the change of command. He said General Forsyth had made "significant contributions" to the center, and he welcomed back General Fadok, who had served as the commandant of the former College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education from November 2004 to July 2006. CADRE and the Air Force Doctrine Center later merged to become the LeMay Center.

General Peck said General Fadok, whose new job also establishes him as vice commander of Air University, has many new challenges ahead. But he had commanded at all levels, and General Peck was certain Air University would be "well represented in doctrine."

General Fadok said being back at Maxwell Air Force Base "feels like home," and he and his wife Kathleen are happy to be here. He praised his wife for "making our lives together so incredibly joyful."

"We are back home, and we are blessed."

The general said doctrine represents the fundamental beliefs of the Air Force and the starting point for how our service plans and executes its mission.

As Curtis E. LeMay observed, "At the heart of warfare lies doctrine," the general noted.

"So, LeMayniacs, let's throttle up, take to the air, get 'er done, and have fun doing it," General Fadok said.

Prior to returning to Air University, General Fadok served as Director for Strategy, Policy and Plans, Headquarters U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Fla.

A distinguished 1982 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, General Fadok completed graduate studies as a Rhodes Scholar before earning his pilot wings in 1985. A command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours, he previously commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels.

He flew combat and combat support missions in operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Southern Watch, and is the 1988 recipient of the Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award. A distinguished graduate from Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and a National Defense Fellow, he holds graduate degrees from Oxford University and the School of Advanced Airpower Studies.

During his career, General Fadok has received the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Aerial Achievement Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.