Col. Raymond Toth takes command of Arnold Engineering Development Complex

  • Published
  • By Patrick Ary
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  After several back-to-back ceremonies July 6, Arnold Air Force Base has a new commander.

Col. Raymond G. Toth took over command of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex from Air Force Test Center Commander Brig. Gen. Arnold Bunch Jr.

In the first of three ceremonies, Col. Michael Brewer, AEDC's previous commander, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Brewer then relinquished command of AEDC to Air Force Materiel Command Commander Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger.

The second ceremony redesignated Arnold Engineering Development Center as Arnold Engineering Development Complex. The redesignation is part of AFMC's plan to consolidate its number of centers from 12 to five in an effort to save about $109 million annually.

The final event was the appointment of command ceremony where Bunch presented the complex's flag to Toth, who was previously commander of the 46th Test Group, Holloman AFB, N.M.

The 46th Test Group conducts avionics and weapon systems flight tests, inertial navigation and Global Positioning System tests, high-speed test track operations, radar cross section tests and landing gear tests necessary to keep joint weapon systems ready for war. In addition, the 46th Test Group is the liaison for all Air Force test and training programs using the White Sands Missile Range, and serves to develop test techniques and procedures for directed energy weapons.

Toth graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. His flying experience includes operational assignments in the F-15E and F-16, as well as an instructor tour in the AT-38B. Toth's experience also includes developmental test assignments in all blocks of the F-16, and he helped close the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of F-22A testing as the F-22 Combined Test Force Commander.

Toth held headquarters-level staff assignments as the Deputy Chief of the Weapon Systems Division for the Air Force Legislative Liaison Office at the Pentagon and as Deputy Division Chief for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group.

Toth is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours in over 30 different aircraft, with combat time in both the F-15E and F-16.

Brewer, who will soon take command of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB, Calif., took command of AEDC Aug. 2, 2011, from Col. Michael Panarisi. The U.S. Senate confirmed a brigadier general appointment for Brewer in December.