New Warfare Center commander visits 53d Wing Published Feb. 22, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Samuel King Jr. 53d Wing Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- Newly appointed United States Air Force Warfare Center Commander, Brig. Gen. Stephen Hoog visited the 53d Wing Feb. 21, wrapping up a two-day orientation trip to Eglin and Hurlburt Field. The general, although new, already had goals and expectations for his command and the wing. "My expectations are the same for all of my wings - accomplishing the mission and taking care of the people," said General Hoog. "It's a big priority that those folks going down range are trained, equipped and ready for what they might face." The general also discussed how important it was to always be training a replacement and ensuring they can do the job in the future. As for the USAFWC, the new commander plans to continue with his predecessor's three-tiered approach of training, testing, and tactics development as well as be the experts in the Air Force in those areas. General Hoog continued, saying the 53d Wing is engaged in all of those aspects - from tactical development, to the testing capabilities of the Weapons System Evaluation Program to the 53d Electronic Warfare Group providing combat capabilities to those down range. He also mentioned that although the three "Ts" will continue the USAFWC is in a time of moderate change. "We're going to be more about integrating across domains - coordinating with all the major commands to serve the warfighter down range," said the general. "This fits in with the 53d's mission very well because they're all about integration. They serve a variety of customers, not just the Air Force." During his day at Eglin, the general received briefings from the 53d Weapons Evaluation Group, 53d EWG and the 53d Test Management Group and visited the bomber labs. After visiting the wing, General Hoog remarked at just how unique the 53d Wing and its missions are. "Everything you guys do at this wing is 'extra' ordinary," he said. "You've got a bunch of great Airmen stepping up to the challenge here and that's critically important to the future of the Air Force and country."