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)
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
