Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski took charge of Air Force Materiel Command during a ceremony on Monday at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, according to a release. She replaced Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger, who led the organization since June 2012 and is retiring from the Air Force after 35 years of service. “Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski has a spectacular track record of success,” said Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, who presided over the command-change event. “She’s smart, she’s not intimidated by tough people or tough issues, and she is completely dedicated to the welfare of her airmen and their families,” said Welsh. He praised Wolfenbarger for her “truly monumental achievements,” and noted that AFMC was transitioning “from one phenomenal leader to another.” Pawlikowski told the assembled airmen and civilian employees: “I’m excited about leading and working with you all to make this the most agile Air Force we’ve ever seen.” She comes to Wright-Patt after working in the Pentagon the past year as the military deputy in the Air Force’s acquisition office. Wolfenbarger, whose retirement takes effect on July 1, thanked the AFMC team for its professionalism and hard work. “I am humbled by all you were able to accomplish on my watch,” she said. (See also Pawlikowski Promoted to General.)
As the Air Force readied for its June 21-22 strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the service was also putting its Agile Combat Employment strategy into action, dispersing combat aircraft and Airmen from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in preparation for a possible Iranian retaliatory attack. Some defense experts say…
