Air Force announces incoming AETC commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike Hammond
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Air Force leaders today named the commander of Air University as the future leader of Air Education and Training Command.

President George W. Bush nominated Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz for appointment to the grade of general and assignment as commander of AETC, which is responsible for the free world's largest training system.

General Lorenz is scheduled to replace Gen. William R. Looney III, who will retire after leading AETC since June 2005.

In fulfilling its mission to develop America's Airmen today for tomorrow, AETC recruits, trains, and educates Airmen throughout their careers. Every Air Force officer and enlisted member is touched by the command at some point.

More than 84,000 people, including active duty, Guard and Reserve members -- along with government civilians and contractors -- make up AETC. The command is also responsible for an inventory of more than 1,500 aircraft.

Air Education and Training Command includes two numbered Air Forces, as well as AU and Air Force Recruiting Service. The annual budget for Fiscal 2008 is more than $6.9 billion.

General Lorenz has led AU since October 2005. Air University provides the full spectrum of Air Force education including degree-granting and professional continuing education. As AU commander, he is also responsible for officer commissioning through Officer Training School and the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

The President also nominated Maj. Gen. Allen G. Peck, AU vice commander and Air Force Doctrine Development and Education Center commander, to the grade of lieutenant general and to command AU.