Maj. Gen. James A. Hawkins formally assumed command of the 18th Air Force at Scott AFB, Ill. on Nov. 29, taking over from Lt. Gen. William Welser III, who retired Dec. 1. (We reported on the proposed change earlier.) Hawkins has been director of operations at Air Mobility Command. In his new role, as commander of AMC’s sole numbered air force, he oversees 12 wings, three groups, two expeditionary mobility task forces, and the Tanker Airlift Control Center.
The nominee to become the next head of U.S. Strategic Command, Vice Adm. Richard Correll, endorsed the production of more than 100 B-21 bombers, echoing his predecessor Gen. Anthony Cotton's view.
