AFOTEC welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Katherine C Gandara
  • Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  Maj. Gen. Scott D. West assumed command of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center from Maj. Gen. David J. Eichhorn in a ceremony Sept. 13 at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, presided.

West comes to his new command from Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, where he served as the Deputy Director of Operations, Plans, Requirements and Programs. West said that this "marks the fifth time I've had the privilege of command and the second in New Mexico." West served as the commander of the 27th Fighter Wing at Cannon AFB, N.M., from March 2006 through September 2007.

"Command is never old hat," said West. "Leading AFOTEC, delving into its diverse portfolio, and working with its exceptional staff, is an honor. I'm proud to wear this new hat and am ready for command."

West emphasized that, "The purpose of AFOTEC has not changed since Gen. Hap Arnold ordered the creation of the Air Corps Proving Ground in 1941. Today, our priorities - relationship-building, test design, communication, technical competency, currency, relevance and responsible stewardship of resources - underpin AFOTEC's ability to inform acquisition decisions."

West entered the Air Force in 1982, after graduating from The Citadel. He has held a variety of positions in operations, staff and support duties, including command experience at the squadron, group, wing and numbered air force levels. Early assignments included duty as an Air Force Weapons School instructor pilot and Air Force School of Advanced Airpower Studies student. West has served on the Joint Staff and Air Force Secretariat, and commanded an air and space operations center. He is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours, including combat in Operation Southern Watch.

AFOTEC is a direct reporting unit under Headquarters, United States Air Force. It is the Air Force's independent test agency responsible for testing and evaluating, in operationally realistic environments, new systems being developed for Air Force and multi-service use.