Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast assumed command of Air University at Maxwell AFB, Ala., during a ceremony. He replaced Lt. Gen. David Fadok, who led the university since August 2011. Gen. Robin Rand, head of Air Education and Training Command, presided over the Nov. 10 change of command. He said Kwast “has the strategic and academic credentials” to lead AU, according to a Maxwell release. “I am excited about the vision and leadership [he will] provide,” said Rand. Kwast is now responsible for graduating more than 50,000 resident and 120,000 non-resident officer, enlisted, and civilian students each year, states the release. He most recently served as AU’s vice commander and head of Maxwell’s Curtis E. LeMay Center. Fadok is retiring from the Air Force, effective Jan. 1, 2015, after some 32 years in uniform. Rand characterized him as a “brilliant senior leader,” who has increased AU in its standing as an academic institution.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…