ARPC commander named 4th Air Force CC Published Jan. 26, 2009 DENVER -- Air Reserve Personnel Center Commander Brig. Gen. Eric W. Crabtree was selected to replace Maj. Gen. Robert E. Duignan as the commander of 4th Air Force officials here announced Friday. General Crabtree participated in a change of command ceremony at 4th Air Force headquarters, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., Sunday. The effective date for his new position is Feb. 6. Fourth Air Force ensures subordinate units are trained, equipped and provided with adequate logistical support to attain and maintain operational readiness in accordance with gaining major command standards. The numbered air force directs the activities and supervises the training of more than 24,200 Air Force reservists. Col. Jerry R. Costello, ARPC vice commander, will serve as the center's interim commander until a permanent replacement arrives. General Crabtree assumed command of ARPC Sept. 20, 2007. ARPC provides life-cycle personnel services to more than 1.2 million Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen to ensure they are prepared, available resources in the event of a national emergency. General Crabtree was commissioned in 1974 through Officer Training School. He completed undergraduate navigator training in 1975 and began flying as an F-4 Phantom II weapon systems officer. In 1978, he was selected to attend undergraduate pilot training and graduated from Reese Air Force Base, Texas, as a distinguished graduate. After 15 years on active duty, General Crabtree separated and took an assignment as an air reserve technician in the tactics office of the 934th Airlift Group in Minneapolis, Minn. General Crabtree has served in a variety of positions during his Reserve career, including vice commander and commander of operations groups, and Reserve adviser to the Air Mobility Command commander. Before commanding ARPC, he was commander of the 446th Airlift Wing at McChord AFB, Wash.