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New SES arrives at AFSOC

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melanie Holochwost
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  A new civilian leader is here, and he’s sitting in a brand new position at Air Force Special Operations Command.

However, Steve Herrera, the new AFSOC executive director, is no stranger to the command.

“I absolutely love the mission here,” he said. “I spent 13 years in Headquarters AFSOC earlier in my career, and I’m thrilled to be back.”

Herrera has a diverse background. He’s held resource management and leadership positions in AFSOC, Air Force Material Command at the center level, and on the Air Staff. His previous positions at the Pentagon allowed him to build relationships with personnel across the Air Force headquarters staff, which will be beneficial for his new role at the command, he said.

“I’d like to use my background to help out with civilian force development,” he said. “Right now I’m re-familiarizing myself with the command. Much has changed during the 12 years I’ve been away. I look forward to identifying areas where I can provide support to the command.”

Herrera said he took this job because the special operations mission is very critical to national security. And, the people supporting this mission are the best our country has to offer.

“Here at AFSOC, we get to stand next to American heroes every day. I’m glad to have the opportunity to be here to support them,” he said. “I want them to know that I’m here for them. I want to help them be successful.”

Although this is not the first senior executive service position at AFSOC, this is the first time one has been in the command section.

“Our civilian Airmen didn’t have an SES level position to aspire to within the command,” said Lt. Gen. Brad Heithold, AFSOC commander. “Their job pyramid was flat on the top. With this new position, the pyramid has a peak. It creates opportunity for growth.”

While Herrera is still settling into the job, his excitement and eagerness to dive in are evident.

“We have a busy mission and I’m looking forward to digging in and making a contribution,” Herrera said. “I look forward to working with General Heithold and (Maj. Gen. Eugene) Haase, the Marine, Army and Navy [Special Operations Command] components, and of course, the great Airmen here at AFSOC.”