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.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
