Carpenter Takes over The Mighty Eighth

Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter assumed command of 8th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) at Barksdale AFB, La., June 1 during a change-of-command ceremony. Carpenter, who had been serving since November 2007 as vice commander of the numbered air force, took over from Lt. Gen. Bob Elder, who led 8th AF since June 2006 and is retiring, effective July 1. “It’s been my privilege and a great honor to serve the professional airmen of The Mighty Eighth,” said Elder before relinquishing command. Carpenter said he is humbled and honored to lead the famous NAF. “Our nation calls on us to stay one step ahead of those who threaten our freedom,” he said, He added, “We are a more capable deterrent force than we’ve ever been, and we’ll continue to get better.” (Barksdale report by Carla Pampe) (For more on Elder and his efforts to shape 8th AF, read Like SAC from the June issue of Air Force Magazine.)