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Colonel Hastings to carry on ACSC transformation

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sarah Loicano
  • 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Transformation is the buzzword at today's Air University, and that message could be heard during the most recent change of command.

Col. Brian Hastings, along with his family, was welcomed as the new Air Command and Staff College commandant during a ceremony here, August 3.

"It is an exciting time to be a part of ACSC; to see where we've been and where we are going," Hastings said, thanking Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast, Air University commander, for his trust and confidence. "I am humbled and honored to be included in the opportunity to shape our nation and our leaders."

Brig. Gen. Christopher Coffelt, commander of Carl A. Spaatz Center for Officer Education and Air War College spoke about the sentiment, both normal and atypical, surrounding this particular change of ceremony.

"This is normally a bittersweet day," said Coffelt, who attested to how outgoing ACSC commandant Col. William DeMarco helped transform ACSC by revamping the curriculum and streamlined student schedules.  "But for those who have worked with [Col.] DeMarco here, he won't be going far," added Coffelt.

Colonel DeMarco will be taking over as the Air University Director of Staff.  When introducing Hastings, Coffelt joked that it would take too long to list all of his accomplishments during one ceremony.

"It is unbelievable that we get to have a guy like this on our team. We benefit him coming fresh from the operational side. He's the right leader at the right time to take us into the future," he said.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Hastings comes to Maxwell as the commander of 47th Flying Training Wing, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, where he was responsible for specialized undergraduate pilot training, commanding a flying operation that exceeded 80,000 flying hours and 54,400 yearly sorties.

After he assumed command as commandant, Hastings spoke directly to the Airmen and civilian faculty about their opportunity to shape future military leaders. 

"You are the best in the business. Let's get busy changing the world, one step a time."

Air Command and Staff College begins a new year of academic study August 4, with 514 in residence students.