New commander takes reins of Air Education and Training Command

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Gen. Edward A. Rice took command of Air Education and Training Command from Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz during a ceremony here today.

"The set of activities for which the United States Air Force is responsible is extremely complex," said General Rice, who previously commanded U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force. "Finding and developing the types of men and women who can not only execute these activities in today's highly dynamic environment, but who can shape the future in a way that allows us to continue to be dominate in the years ahead is a breathtaking responsibility."

AETC, headquartered in San Antonio, is the Air Force major command responsible for recruiting, training and educating America's Airmen through innovation. With an assigned force of more than 70,000 active-duty Airmen, Reservists and civilians, AETC trains and educates more than 340,000 American and international students each year on bases throughout the country.

"What we do here matters a great deal," General Rice said. "I am honored to join your team today as we continue to meet the vital mission of recruiting and developing the Airmen who will keep our Air Force and Nation strong today, and tomorrow."

A distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1978, General Rice is a command pilot with more than 3,900 flying hours. He has considerable experience in combat and contingency operations, including commanding bomber operations during the first four months of Operation Enduring Freedom as the commander of the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing. He also served as commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service.