Eighth Air Force Commander's Vector 2014 Published May 12, 2014 By Staff writer Eighth Air Force BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Maj. Gen. Scott A. Vander Hamm, 8th Air Force commander, recently released his vision, in a memorandum dated 29 April, for the future of the Mighty Eighth in continuing the stewardship of the Air Force's top mission. The commander's emphasis is to safeguard America's interests through strategic deterrence and global strike on demand. His vision is to hone one integrated team. A team that is highly disciplined, highly effective, focused and that continuously improves people and forces while strengthening the nuclear culture and conventional global strike capabilities. Gen. Vander Hamm stresses that we are the nation's most relevant, prepared and decisive warfighting units. His priorities are to deter, defend, integrate, prepare and execute global strike effects worldwide. "These priorities build upon our core values to carry out our mission and realize our vision," said Vander Hamm. "Your integrity underpins your service and your excellence, and will continue to provide America with strategic options for unmatched power projection ensuring our national security." The bottom line: It is you, your service and the sacrifices of our military and civilian families that put the Mighty in the Eighth! For the full memorandum, click here.