LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Col. Marc F. Stratton assumed command of the Inter-American Air Forces Academy in a ceremony Monday at the IAAFA training center.
Stratton arrived at Lackland after serving the past three years as security cooperation office chief and U.S. Defense representative to the ambassador, U.S. Embassy, Santiago, Chile.
Prior to his Chilean assignment, the new IAAFA commandant was commander of the 720th Special Tactics Group, Hurlburt Field, Fla. He is a combat diver, and master static line and military freefall parachutist.
"It is an honor and a privilege to have been chosen to lead this prestigious institution," Stratton said at the ceremony. "The Inter-American Air Forces Academy has a unique, one-of-a-kind mission.
"Its personnel are hand picked and its facilities are top notch, and getting better. Its reputation for professionalism is well known throughout our Department of Defense as well as the air forces of Central and South America and beyond."
Col. Eric Axelbank, 37th Training Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony, said it was a great day for IAAFA and the Stratton family.
"Not only is IAAFA getting a highly experienced and accomplished leader in Colonel Stratton, the Strattons are formally being brought into the incredible IAAFA family," Axelbank said in addressing the audience.
"IAAFA is getting a world-class warrior leader and skilled diplomat as its commander. I am confident he will lead IAAFA to the next level and continue IAAFA's contribution to the training standard of excellence."
Stratton said several aspects of the academy set it apart. He cited the significant contributions of instructors from partner nations, and the important role NCOs play at IAAFA.
"If there is one quality of the U.S. military that is envied, which distinguishes it from the vast majority of all others, it is our NCO corps," Stratton said. "(They are) expertly trained and empowered to maintain multi-million dollar weapons systems, and oftentimes make life or death decisions.
"The proud history of this institution and its overall positive impact on participating countries owes much to our NCOs regardless of their rank or specialty. They, along with our team of officers and civilians, collectively insure our mission success."
IAAFA's mission is to foster enduring inter-American engagements through education and training. The academy teaches up to 37 technical courses in Spanish and English to students from more than 22 partner nations in the Americas, both at Lackland and abroad. Founded in 1943, IAAFA has trained more than 43,000 students from partner nations. It currently graduates an average of 800 students a year.