Toth takes command of the Air Force’s Personnel Center

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sahara L. Fales
  • Air Force's Personnel Center Public Affairs
Members of the Air Force’s Personnel Center gathered here today as Maj. Gen. Brian T. Kelly relinquished command of the headquarters to Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Toth in a change of command ceremony officiated by Lt. Gen. Gina M. Grosso, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.      

 

Toth replaces Kelly, who was selected for promotion to lieutenant general and will become the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. 

 

Prior to taking command at AFPC, Toth served as the Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

 

Presiding over the ceremony, Grosso emphasized the influence of Kelly’s leadership on AFPC’s ability to enable worldwide Air Force operations.

 

“BK started by reframing AFPC’s mission as follows: ‘delivering world class talent management and care solutions to enable the warfighter, Airmen and their families. This vision set AFPC’s path on the road to setting the standard for 21st Century talent management service providers,” said Grosso. “Then he tackled the Chief of Staff’s priority to take better care of the families of our fallen Airmen. Continuing his focus on Airmen’s families, BK turned his attention to the Exceptional Family Member Program. I could not be more proud of the AFPC team and how it has executed its mission under his charge.”

 

Reflecting on his time as the AFPC commander, Kelly said, “It has been an incredible year, or to be more precise, it has been an incredible 412 days that we’ve spent together. In that short time span I asked a lot of you and you delivered. I could not have been any prouder each day than I was to be a part of this team.”

 

Grosso said Toth understands AFPC’s critical mission and its support to Airmen around the world. “Andy is a phenomenal leader and really the only general who can continue to drive AFPC’s march to setting the standard for 21st Century talent management execution,” she said. “To the Air Force’s Personnel Center team, I know that you will perform for General Toth at the same exceptional level that you did for all past commanders. There is no Global Vigilance, Global Reach or Global Power for the nation without you and it is truly my honor to serve with you.”

 

In his first formal remarks as the new AFPC commander, Toth highlighted the worldwide impact of AFPC. 

 

“We are entrusted to provide options to decisively employ airpower across the entire spectrum of conflict in a ‘Ready to Fight Tonight’ mentality. You do this by being the execution arm for personnel policies and procedures while managing the human resource function for the Air Force,” Toth said. “This no-fail mission can only be completed through your continued dedication and strong teamwork across all career fields, taking care of all who serve from the beginning to the end of their career and beyond.”

 

AFPC ensures commanders around the world are provided with skilled Airmen to conduct Air Force and joint missions. Additionally, AFPC executes programs covering the entire life cycle of military and civilian personnel for the Air Force, from accession through retirement, including readiness, growth, development and deployment.

 

“Under General Kelly’s leadership, you have performed well above standard. As we grow together, I can only ask that you continue to maintain that same emphasis and not miss a beat,” Toth continued. “In this challenging world environment, it is our job to stand together, focusing on our priorities while delivering world class talent, taking care of Airmen and their families and preparing for tomorrow’s fight, all while being stalwarts in our community.”

 

Previously, Toth commanded both the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and the 36th Wing at Andersen AFB, Guam. While serving as the 33rd FW commander, he led the stand-up of the first F-35A Lightning II training operations.

 

Toth earned his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy and is a distinguished graduate of undergraduate pilot training. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force F-15C Weapons Instructor Course and a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours.