Profile: U.S. Northern Command chief
| • | New command takes shape |
| • | A breakdown of U.S. military commands worldwide |
Advertiser Staff
 |
| Air Force Gen. Ralph Eberhart will take command of the U.S. Northern Command in October.
Associated Press |
• Age: 55
• Home: Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.
• Education: Bachelor of science in political science, U.S. Air Force Academy, 1968; Squadron Officer School, 1973; Air Command and Staff College, 1974; master's degree in political science, Troy State University, 1977; National War College, 1987.
• Experience: A four-star general, Eberhart is the commander in chief of the new U.S. Northern Command. He will retain his title as commander in chief of North American Aerospace Defense Command.
He also has served as commander of U.S. Space Command and Department of Defense manager for Manned Space Flight Support Operations. Eberhart also served as executive officer to the Air Force chief of staff at Air Force headquarters; deputy chief of staff for inspection, safety and security for Tactical Air Command; director of programs and evaluation for the Air Force; and director of force structure, resources and assessment for the Joint Staff.
Eberhart has commanded a flight, squadron, wing, numbered air force and two major commands, and he has logged more than 4,500 hours of flying time, primarily in fighter and trainer aircraft, including 300 combat missions as a forward air controller during Vietnam operations.
• Family: Has a wife and two adult daughters.
• Quote: "We didn't perceive a threat prior to 9/11 that warranted establishing a new headquarters. It became clear on 9/11, tragically, we need to be prepared."
