Maj. Gen. Clark assumes command of 'Mighty Eighth'
By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland, 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
/ Published April 17, 2015
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Lt. Gen. Steven Wilson, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, presents the Eighth Air Force guidon to Maj. Gen. Richard Clark, 8th AF commander, during the Eighth Air Force Change of Command ceremony on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2015. Clark has served the Air Force since 1986 and was previously vice commander for Air Force Global Strike Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
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Maj. Gen. Richard Clark assumes command of the Eighth Air Force, Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike, and Task Force 204 from Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, U. S. Strategic Command vice commander, during the Eighth Air Force change of command ceremony on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2015. The mission of the "Mighty Eighth" is to safeguard America's interests through strategic deterrence and global combat power. Clark previously served as the vice commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. (U.S. Air Force photo / Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)
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Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, speaks during the Eighth Air Force change of command, on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2015. Maj. Gen. Richard Clark took command of the Eighth Air Force, Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike, and Task Force 204. (U.S. Air Force photo / Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)
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Members of the “Mighty Eighth” stand during the Eighth Air Force change of command ceremony on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2015. The Eighth Air Force, originally the VIII Bomber Command, was activated as part of the U.S. Army Air Force Feb. 1, 1942 at Langley Field, Va. Today the “Mighty Eighth” is headquartered at Barksdale AFB, and is one of two active duty numbered air forces in Air Force Global Strike Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
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Tech. Sgt. Anjelica Kaylor, NCO in-charge of 2nd Force Support Squadron career development, sings the National Anthem during the Eighth Air Force Change of Command ceremony on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2015. The Eighth Air Force team consists of more than 16,000 Airmen operating and maintaining a variety of aircraft capable of deploying air power to any area of the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --
Maj. Gen. Richard Clark assumed command of the 8th Air Force during a change of command ceremony at the Weapons Load Facility here, today.
As the new commander of the "Mighty Eighth," Clark is responsible for safeguarding America's interests through strategic deterrence and global combat power.
Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, was the presiding officer.
"I can't think of a better or more experienced commander to take the reins from General Vander Hamm and lead the 'Mighty Eighth' into the future," said Wilson. "As my vice commander he seized every opportunity to travel to [AFGSC] bases, embrace our bomber and missile culture and promote force improvement, and many others."
After accepting command, Clark addressed Airmen of the Mighty Eighth.
"I appreciate everyone being here today. This means the world to me and a dream come true," Clark said. "I have been able to watch the men and women of the 'Mighty Eighth' every day, and it is my greatest honor to be back at Eighth Air Force."
Clark also expressed his commitment to the men and women of Eighth Air Force and the bomber community.
"It's about the heritage we enjoy, the bombers we employ and the men and women of the 'Mighty Eighth.' I will be a great wingman to you just as it was shown to me as a young captain. It is my honor and privilege to serve you and be your wingman, to make sure that you have everything you need to do this mission and follow the footsteps of our forefathers... Let's go make history."
Eighth Air Force reports to AFGSC, supports U.S. Joint Forces Command and is designated as U.S. Strategic Command's Task Force 204, providing on-alert, combat-ready forces to the president. Eighth Air Force controls long-range, nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit and B-52H Stratofortress bombers for conventional operations and nuclear deterrence.