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U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander pins on second star

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs
FORT DIX, N.J. --  Maj. Gen. Kip L. Self, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Commander, pinned on his second star during a Center ceremony Oct. 1 at the Center.

In putting on his second star, General Self recited the oath of office and viewed the unfurling of the two-star flag that will be used at all official ceremonies where he is in attendance. In his comments at the end, General Self said, "Isn't is cool they would put a two star in charge of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, and I think it's great that I get to be that two star."

He added to the USAF EC Airmen and staff, "I want to thank you for your support during my four months here so far. When we go forward now for the next (couple of years), things are going to get exciting around here and I'm glad I'll be here as that happens."

General Self became commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center on May 23. Most recently, he served as commander for Air Mobility Rodeo 2007 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.

General Self is a 1978 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, earning a bachelor of science degree in psychology and management. He has held a variety of flying assignments as a helicopter and fixed wing instructor pilot. The general's staff assignments include political-military planner on the Joint Staff and Country Director in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He has also served as Deputy Director of Operations at Headquarters Air Mobility Command. He has commanded at various levels, including the squadron, group and wing levels. Prior to his current assignment, the general was Commander of the 314th Airlift Wing and Installation Commander for Little Rock AFB, Ark.

General Self deployed as special operations mission commander in support of Operation Joint Endeavor, and he deployed as Director of Mobility Forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was Commander of a Global Mobility Task Force in Southwest Asia. General Self is a command pilot with more than 4,000 hours in UH-1, T-38, C-141B, C-17 and C-130 aircraft.

General Self is the son of LeeAnn Self of Grass Valley, Calif., and is married to the former Sue Battle, a native of Walnut Creek, Calif.

The U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center is the USAF's Center of Excellence responsible for expeditionary innovation, education, training and exercises. It delivers innovative expeditionary combat support concepts and capabilities and prepares leaders and forces to effectively accomplish air mobility, Air Force, joint and coalition missions. The center's schools, directorates and detachments work together to achieve one major goal - keeping USAF forces ready, at a moment's notice, to deploy anywhere in the world.