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AFSOAWC welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Raquel Sanchez
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  Col. David Tabor took command of the Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center during an assumption of command ceremony at Duke Field, Fla., Feb. 27.

Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, Air Force Special Operations Command commander, remarked on AFSOAWC's mission and its expected growth in the future.

AFSOAWC is headquartered and has units at Hurlburt Field, Fla. with operating locations at Duke Field and Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

AFSOAWC stood up in 2013 to emphasize the total force partnership between active-duty members, reservists and is responsible for: organizing, training, educating, and equipping forces to conduct special operations missions; leading major command irregular warfare activities; executing special operations test, evaluation and lessons learned programs; and developing doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures for AFSOC.

"Dave, your leadership and enthusiasm are essential ingredients as we shape a critical piece of the AFSOC force," said Fiel. "As you know, this is a unique opportunity to create the forefront directing the future of Air Force Special Operations and, of course, Air Commandos."

Tabor said he looked forward to the opportunity of joining the active duty and reserve team.

"I'm very excited to lead this organization as we realize General Fiel's vision of being the preeminent SOF education and training command...," said Tabor. "It's a broad mission statement and I know our Airmen are already working very diligently but we are going to continue to refine that and we're going to provide the Air Force and this country the most capable and the most relevant forces capable to deploy anywhere throughout the world."

Tabor has been an Air Commando since 1995 and his Special Operations Forces experience is extensive, said Fiel.

He was commissioned from Birmingham-Southern College and earned his wings at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. He has flown more than 2,300 flying hours in various aircraft to include the MH-53Js and C-130s.

Tabor was previously assigned to the former 21st Special Operations Squadron at RAF Mildenhall, UK and at Hurlburt Field under the 6th SOS and the former 20th SOS. He also served as the commander of the Aviation Tactics Evaluation Group at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he was the primary aviation advisor to the commander of the Joint Special Operations Command.

As the ceremony concluded Tabor left Airmen with these final words.

"To the Airmen of the warfare center, I'm responsible and accountable to Lt. Gen. Fiel but make no mistake about it...I work for you," said Tabor. "Together we are going to do great things in the next few months and years."

To view the ceremony click here.