JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Members of the Air Force’s Personnel Center tuned in virtually Wednesday as Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Toth relinquished command of the headquarters to Maj. Gen. Christopher E. Craige in a change of command ceremony officiated by Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.
“To the men and women of AFPC, I know you’ll continue performing at the same exceptional level for Major General Craige as you have for Major General Toth,” said Kelly in his opening remarks. “There is no global vigilance, global reach, or global power without the men and women of AFPC.”
“You’ve all performed admirably; you’ve been agile, innovative and responsive—incredible work done,” said Toth, in his final words to the AFPC team. “Ending my career leading this team was the icing on the cake.”
Turning his attention toward Craige, Kelly said, “I admire your leadership and passion. Your level of care for Airmen is unmatched, which makes you a perfect leader for AFPC. You were the right choice to follow in Drifter’s [Toth’s] footsteps.”
During his first remarks as the new AFPC commander Craige said, “We're excited to be here and humbled by the opportunity to lead this storied center in San Antonio. I just came off a Joint tour and saw firsthand how our service develops and cares for our current and next generation of warfighters.”
“We have a great responsibility here at AFPC and much work to do in supporting our Department of the Air Force and our nation,” he continued. “We will adapt and thrive in the COVID environment and we will stay laser focused on our most precious resource - our people.”
Prior to taking command at AFPC, Craige served as the Director, Strategy, Engagement, and Programs, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart-Möhringen, Germany. Craige also previously commanded both the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, Kabul, Afghanistan and the 39th Air Base Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.
Craige earned his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy and is a command pilot with more than 3,900 flying hours in a variety of aircraft.
AFPC ensures commanders around the world are provided with skilled Airmen to conduct Department of the Air Force and Joint missions. Additionally, AFPC executes programs covering the entire life cycle of military and civilian personnel for the Department of the Air Force, from accession through retirement, including readiness, growth, development and deployment.