New Commander Taking Over Maxwell’s Air University
The commander at Maxwell Air Force Base’s Air University is retiring later this year.
The incoming commander took time today to meet with leaders from the area and talk to us.
Leaders here at Maxwell Air Force Base discussed just how important it is to partner with the community here in the River Region. That’s one of the main goals of the incoming general over Air University.
Lt. General David Fadok has more than 30 years in the Air Force and has been over Air University since 2011.
Soon, Fadok will retire from his post and Maj. Gen. Steven Kwast will take the reins.
We spoke with Kwast who says even with looming budget cuts and the threat of sequestration, Maxwell is still a crucial part of the community.
“For me I think that the key to success in any endeavor is relevance. If maxwell gunter stays relevant by extending those partnerships and working together to do things that are meaningful to our nation, we will be safe,” said Gen. Kwast.
Gen. Kwast says it’s a priority for the lines of communication to stay open between the river region and the base.
That’s why he wanted to have an open dialogue with area leaders.
Kwast has been at Maxwell since February, and he says he’s very impressed.
“Finest I’ve ever seen to put it quite frankly. I’ve been all over the world and to many different places in our nation. And I’ve never seen a community that embraces the military more fully nor put their money where their mouth was,” said Kwast.
Among those in attendance at the forum, Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie who says after getting to know the general and seeing how he works, he’s excited to see what they can do for each other.
“One of the comments that he said in there is he didn’t really want to hear a no as an answer, it’s yes if. I see that coming along,” said Mayor Gillespie.
General Kwast will be receiving his third star and taking over command of Air University at the beginning of November.
