8/30/2011 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, Electronic Systems Center commander, salutes the attendees during a farewell event honoring him Aug. 26 in the Tennis Bubble. General Bowlds, who has been at ESC for almost four years, will be retiring from the Air Force after more than 36 years. His retirement ceremony will be Sept. 1 following the change of command. (U.S. Air Force photo)

8/30/2011 - BOSTON - Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, Electronic Systems Center commander, throws out the first pitch at Fenway Park before the start of the Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics night game Aug. 27. General Bowlds is getting ready to retire after more than 36 years in the Air Force, almost four of which were at ESC at Hanscom AFB, Mass.The game was moved from Aug. 28 due to Hurricane Irene. (U.S. Air Force photo)

8/30/2011 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, Electronic Systems Center commander, greets Fred Kondrat (left) and Sylvester Ryan during an installation picnic Aug. 26. General Bowlds is preparing to retire and a farewell event for him followed the picnic. His retirement ceremony will be on Sept. 1, following the ESC change of command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Linda LaBonte Britt)

8/30/2011 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, Electronic Systems Center commander, his wife, Marcia, and his brother, Father Kent Bowlds, share a laugh during General Bowlds' retirement dinner at the Minuteman Commons Aug. 30. (U.S. Air Force photo by Linda LaBonte Britt)