Maj. Gen. Richard Clark assumed command of 8th Air Force during a ceremony at Barksdale AFB, La., according to a release. Clark now leads the numbered air force that oversees the Air Force’s nuclear-capable bomber force of B-2As and B-52Hs. He had been Air Force Global Strike Command’s vice commander since August 2014. “It is my honor and privilege to serve you and be your wingman, to make sure that you have everything you need to do this mission and follow the footsteps of our forefathers,” Clark told the assembled airmen during the April 17 change-of-command ceremony. “Let’s go make history,” he said. Clark replaced Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, who commanded 8th AF since October 2013. “I can’t think of a better or more experienced commander to take the reins from General Vander Hamm and lead the Mighty Eighth into the future,” said Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, AFGSC boss, of Clark. Wilson presided over the ceremony. Vander Hamm is moving to his new assignment as assistant deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements on the Air Staff in the Pentagon. (See also Vander Hamm’s farewell letter to 8th AF airmen.)
U.S. munitions have been expended at a high rate during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting concerns that the Pentagon is eating into weapons stockpiles it needs to deter threats around the world. Yet the newly released $1.5 trillion defense budget request was developed before the war against Iran and…