An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Eighth Air Force commander welcomes in the new year

  • Published



Mighty Eighth,

Welcome back!  I hope you enjoyed some well-deserved down time after the tireless efforts and dedication you displayed throughout the last 12 months.......you certainly earned it.

It is a great pleasure to echo Secretary James' announcement that 2015 will be free from involuntary force management programs. As we approach our desired end strength of 312,980 airmen, those programs are not necessary this year.  We welcome the stability this brings to our military families.

Refreshed and reinvigorated following the holiday break, we now need to direct our energies toward our mission focus for 2015: Train for War!  Have no doubt; the skills you possess and the forces we wield will be called upon in the coming year, whether the call is for continued deterrence or untethered combat power.  Eighth Air Force bombers send a very powerful strategic message to world leaders and non-state actors...we stand ready during this turbulent time in our world.  It is you, the men and women of the Mighty Eighth, who give credibility to that strategic message through your unwavering commitment to mission success. Thanks for all you do.

From my family to yours, we hope you have a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2015!

Maj Gen Vander Hamm