Leaders highlight challenges during ESC change of command

  • Published
  • By Patty Welsh
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Challenges -- those that have been overcome in the past and new ones to be faced in the future -- formed the common thread at the Electronic Systems Center change of command ceremony Sept. 1 in the Hanscom Aero Club Hangar, where Lt. Gen. Charles (C.R.) Davis took over as the new ESC commander.

Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander, who officiated the ceremony, spoke about ESC accomplishments in the face of challenges.

"You have achieved enormous success," he said. "You are on the forefront of delivering capabilities to make our Air Force more effective and efficient."

General Hoffman also warned of issues still ahead with regard to dollars and personnel, but said he knows ESC will still accomplish the mission.

After the guidon was passed, General Davis took center stage to speak to Hanscom personnel, community leaders and distinguished guests from other services, the Pentagon and industry partners.

General Davis said he's ready to take on his new role.

"After 32 years in aircraft and weapons, this is a new challenge for me," General Davis said. "But I'm glad to have that challenge. I love the hard challenges; I love the things that are not easy. So I'm excited about this."

He referenced the rich history of the local area and tied that into today and how he feels the success of ESC can continue.

"Success is based on people," he said. "You need to have the courage, the innovation and the desire to take risks in order to succeed."

He said he's glad to be taking on this new position so he will be able to help ESC deliver the important capabilities to warfighters out in the field.

To the workforce, General Davis said he knows how much of a difference everyone has been making. He also said he knows they are up to the challenges ahead because outgoing ESC Commander Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds constantly boasted about the enthusiasm the staff at ESC has for their mission.

"To succeed in these challenges, you have got to be excited, be willing to take risks and take action," he said. "We do it because it's our job and our mission. We do it for the Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Coast Guardsman."

During a retirement ceremony for General Bowlds, which followed the change of command, General Bowlds told General Davis and the audience that ESC is currently working on 350 efforts with a budget of nearly $5 billion.

He also thanked the workforce for "giving it their all, day in and day out."

General Bowlds touched on what he foresees as the future for ESC.

"We are facing wars, a budget crisis and most recently, natural disasters, but I know your creativity, your innovation has made you ready for the challenge."