Brig. Gen. Stephen Wilson assumed command of 8th Air Force at Barksdale AFB, La., the organization under Air Force Global Strike Command that controls the nation’s nuclear-capable B-2 and B-52 bombers. He succeeded Maj. Gen. Floyd Carpenter, who led 8th AF since June 2009 and is retiring, effective August 1. “I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled and honored I am to stand here before you,” said Wilson at the June 3 change-of-command ceremony. “Since its inception 1942, there is no more legendary or storied numbered air force in our history.” Wilson, whom President Obama has nominated to receive a second star, also became commander of US Strategic Command’s Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike. Wilson’s most recent a position was as director of joint integration on the Air Staff. (Barksdale report by SSgt. Brian Stives)
Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing helped save 11 airplane crash survivors off the coast of Florida on May 12. The Reserve Airmen were flying an HC-130J Combat King II and an HH-60W Jolly Green II on a routine training flight when a Coast Guard call diverted…