Eighth Air Force commander visits Barksdale Airmen

Published Sept. 6, 2011
By Senior Airman Amber Ashcraft
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La -- 2nd Bomb Wing Airmen received a visit from "The Mighty Eighth" commander, as he toured Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 31.

The new Eighth Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Stephen Wilson, visited the base, to meet with Airmen and hear their stories.

"I wanted to meet the Airmen and hear and understand their challenges, to see if I can help solve some of the issues going on in their world," he said. "I want to make sure our Airmen and their families are taken care of- to have programs and resources in place to ensure we're continuing to focus on our Airmen and help them in a multitude of endeavors."

Wilson began the morning at Barksdale with a breakfast at the Red River Dining Facility joined by 20 Airmen from five squadrons.

"My impression with the Airmen here is that they're working hard and are proud of what they're doing," said the general.

Wilson received many questions throughout his visit, including how it feels to be the commander of such a historic numbered Air Force.

"This is a dream job, dream lineage," he replied. "Our Air Force exists today in large measure because of the sacrifices of those who came before us in the Eighth Air Force. We look at what they did in Europe during World War II and see the heroic sacrifices. Their efforts in helping convince the leadership of the United States to make an independent Air Force was incredible. I'm truly honored to be a part of the most historic numbered Air Forces in the command."

Though he's proud to be a part of history, the general brings a piece of his own history to the table as well. With more than 30 years in the Air Force, Wilson spent the vast majority of his tenure in the "bomber business".

"I have been at the squadron, group and wing level with a couple stints in the command control," he said. "Having spent so much time in the 'bomber business' and now working in a numbered Air Force that deals with B-2 and B-52 bomber capabilities, I'd say the times are catching up with me."

The times are indeed catching up with Wilson, as he's also become in tune with social media.

"I do have a facebook page- you'll see some of the pictures taken today from the tour on there," said Wilson. "One of my old bosses told me that my Airmen are communicating this way so I need to figure it out and communicate like them. I may not be a texter, but I do like social media."

Wilson also shares his priorities (besides facebook) as Eighth Air Force commander, with his command.

"A major priority for me is that we continue to be safe, secure and reliable with nuclear readiness," said Wilson. "As we look to the future at potentially difficult challenges- we're not a hollow force. Our Airmen are prepared to do whatever mission we may ask of them."

The Barksdale tour allowed Wilson to visit with Airmen at various stages of their career. He met with NCO's and Airmen at the River's Edge, toured the Stratofortress dorms and met with brand new Airmen at the First Term Airman's Center before concluding his tour at the wing promotion ceremony where he had the privilege of congratulating each new promote- from airman to chief master sergeant.

"What I've been amazed with is how incredible these Airmen are- no matter what organization they're from or what rank they are," said Wilson. "Our nation has such diversity and richness, and the tapestry that makes that is what you see in our Air Force. These great people are committed to making a difference. They make me proud to be serving today."

Wilson's visit ended in the early evening, but his words to the Barksdale Airmen will surely be remembered tomorrow.

"I left a lot of advice with the Airmen I visited with today, one being that whatever their skill or craft is, be the expert," he said. "Continue to be a leader and be ready- your nation is counting on you. We as Airmen have great pride in what we're doing and the difference we're making. I want to showcase to people that wouldn't necessarily appreciate the great things these Airmen do everyday- they deter adversaries all over the world- because they're ready and on point- doing their job."