BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Team Barksdale welcomed new leadership during a change of command ceremony at the Weapons Load Training Facility here, June 18, 2018.
More than 500 were in attendance as Col. Michael Miller assumed command from Col. Ty Neuman. Maj. Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, 8th Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony and led the time honored and symbolic change of leadership through the transfer of the 2nd BW flag from outgoing to incoming commander.
“As the 2nd Bomb Wing continues down its path of demonstrated excellence, we must all remain aware of our responsibility to provide the United States with combat ready B-52 forces for Global Strike operations and nuclear deterrence,” Miller said. “We will do this by remaining focused on what’s important – the mission, our Airmen and our families.”
Miller shared his vision of leading Barksdale’s historic B-52 operational legacy into the future while prioritizing the Airmen who make it happen.
“To provide nuclear and conventional B-52 capabilities and combat-ready Airmen to combatant commanders is, and will always be, job one,” Miller said. “At the same time, we will remain committed to the empowerment, mentorship and development of our Airmen so they can continue to grow and perform as an elite and highly discipline team.”
In his final remarks to Team Barksdale, Neuman praised the Airmen, civilian personnel, families and local and state civic leaders who he credited for the wing’s success during his tenure as commander.
“To the Mighty Deuce, you never cease to amaze me with what you are able to accomplish,” Neuman said. “I challenge you to stay motivated, keep the innovative spirit alive and challenge assumptions to make our wing better tomorrow then it is today.”
Neuman’s next assignment will be as the director of the Commander’s Action Group at U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.