ARPC welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Mike Molina
DENVER --  The men and women of the Air Reserve Personnel Center welcomed a new leader during a change of command ceremony here today.

Brig. Gen. Eric W. Crabtree assumed command of the center from Col. Ann C. Shippy. General Crabtree was previously the 446th Wing commander at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. Colonel Shippy retired today after more than 28 years of service.

The ceremony was attended by Air Force Reserve Command and community leaders, guests and Air Reserve Personnel Center employees.

General Crabtree likened the personnel center to the foundation of a pyramid, saying the center's success is necessary to support Air Force combat operations at the tip of the pyramid.

He also promised to take care of the nearly 500 employees who are now under his command. 

"I pledge I will take care of you the best that I can," General Crabtree said. "I will represent you."

As the center's commander, General Crabtree will oversee a mission of providing personnel and administrative support to more than 1.2 million Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard forces.

General Crabtree said being a reservist himself provides him with the unique perspective of having been a customer served by the center.

"While the position traditionally has been held by someone from the personnel career field, Lt. Gen. (John) Bradley (commander of Air Force Reserve Command) wanted someone from the user end to help channel our focus even more to the customers," General Crabtree said in May when he was selected for this assignment.