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Air Force names new AFMC Air Armament Center commander

  • Published
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs Report
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Air Force announced Sept. 30, 2010, the assignment of Maj. Gen. Kenneth D. Merchant to the position of Air Armament Center commander and Program Executive Officer for Weapons, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

General Merchant has been the Director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., since November 2007. In this position, he provides policy and guidance to organize, train and equip aircraft maintenance, transportation, supply, and logistics plans units at 14 major active air installations in the U.S., and 17 en route locations around the world.

The general has also served as Air Staff Program Element Monitor for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, and executive officer to the commander of Pacific Air Forces. He directed an Area Attack Systems Program Office, Contractor Logistics Support Aircraft Materiel Systems Group, and Battle Management Command, Control and Computer Systems Wing.

His commands include the Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning Control Systems Group as well as the 551st Electronic Systems Wing at Hanscom AFB, Mass. Prior to his current assignment, he was vice commander at Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB, Utah.

As AAC commander, General Merchant will be responsible for the development, acquisition, testing, deployment and sustainment of all air-delivered weapons.

General Merchant will replace Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis, who has been AAC commander since May 2009. The Air Force announced Sept. 22 General Davis' nomination for promotion to the grade of lieutenant general, and assignment as commander of the Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.