2012 Air Show press military kit

Transcription

BASE LEADERSHIP
2nd Bomb Wing Leadership ………………………………………………………. 3 – 8
Colonel Timothy G. Fay ………………………………………………… 3 – 5
Colonel Thomas P. Hesterman ………………………………………... 6 – 8
2nd Bomb Wing Fact Sheet …….…………………………………………………. 9 – 12
307th Fact Sheet….………………………………………………………………... 13 – 18
Colonel Jonathan M. Ellis ……………………………………………… 13 – 15
Colonel Joseph C. Jones ………………………………………………. 16 – 18
307th Fact Sheet ………………………………………………………………….….19 – 25
Eighth Air Force Commander Leadership..……………………………….…... 26 – 31
Major General Stephen W. “Seve” Wilson…………………………….26 – 28
Colonel Robert F. Gass…………………………………………………...29 – 31
Eighth Air Force Fact Sheet….………………………………………………….. 32 – 34
Air Force Global Strike Command Leadership……………………………….. 35 – 41
Lieutenant General James M. Kowalski……………………………….35 – 37
Major General Everett H. Thomas………………………………………38 – 41
Air Force Global Strike Fact Sheet……………………………………………….42 – 44
BASE HISTORY
U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet …………………………...…………………….…... 45 – 50
2 UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
COLONEL TIMOTHY G. FAY
Colonel Timothy G. Fay is commander of the 2nd
Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. He is
responsible for providing B-52 aircraft, aircrews
and associated support personnel and resources
to conduct global bomber operational taskings.
Additionally, as the installation commander, he
supports 40 mission partners, including Air Force
Global Strike Command Headquarters; 8th Air
Force Headquarters, 917th Operations Group and
the 307th Bomb Wing. He promotes the welfare of
more than 9,400 military and civilian personnel,
6,200 family members and 25,000 retirees.
Colonel Fay was commissioned following his
graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in
1987. His previous assignments include instructor
pilot and weapons officer in the B-52 and B-2, and
staff service at Headquarters, U.S. Strategic
Command. He served in Operations DESERT STORM, ALLIED FORCE and IRAQI
FREEDOM, and is a command pilot with 3,600 flight hours. Prior to his current assignment,
he served as Director, Strategic Communications Division for U.S. Forces-Iraq, J-9
Directorate.
EDUCATION
1987 Bachelor of Science (Distinguished Graduate), U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.
1994 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1995 Master of Business Administration, California State University Stanislaus, Turlock,
Calif.
1996 Weapons Instructor Course (Outstanding Graduate), USAF Weapons School
1998 Master of International Relations, University of Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
2002 Master of Military Operational Arts & Sciences (Distinguished Graduate), Air Command
and Staff College, Maxwell AFB
2005 Master of National Security Strategy (Distinguished Graduate), National War College,
Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
3 ASSIGNMENTS
1. July 1987 - September 1988, student, undergraduate pilot training, Williams AFB,
Ariz.
2. Nov 1988 - May 1989, student, B-52 Combat Crew Training, Castle AFB, Calif.
3. May 1989 - June 1992, B-52 pilot, executive officer, 596th Bomb Squadron,
Barksdale AFB
4. June 1992 - May 1994, B-52 pilot, aircraft commander, 34th Bomb Squadron, Castle
AFB
5. May 1994 - June 1996, B-52 aircraft commander, instructor pilot and flight
commander, 23rd Bomb Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.
6. June 1996 - December 1996, student, Defense Language Institute, Presidio of
Monterey, Calif.
7. January 1997 - November 1998, Olmsted Scholar, University of Belgrano, Buenos
Aires, Argentina
8. November 1998 - August 2001, B-2 mission commander, instructor pilot, Weapons &
Tactics flight commander, wing weapons officer, OAF CAOC LNO, 509th Operations
Support Squadron and 325th Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
9. August 2001 - June 2002, student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB
10. June 2002 - June 2004, Commander, 65th Operations Support Squadron, Lajes
Field, Portugal
11. June 2004 - June 2005, student, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair,
Washington, D.C.
12. June 2005 - July 2006, deputy commander, 5th Operations Group, Minot AFB, N.D.
13. July 2006 - November 2007, chief, Innovation Group then deputy director, Global
Innovation and Strategy Center, Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Command, Omaha, Neb.
14. November 2007 - April 2009, commander, 2nd Operations Group, Barksdale AFB
15. April 2009 - April 2010, director, Strategic Communications Division, USF-I J-9,
Baghdad, Iraq
16. July 2010 - Present, commander, 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight hours: 3,600
Aircraft flown: B-52, B-2, T-38 and T-37
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters (OLCs)
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
4 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V-device and three OLCs
Combat Readiness Medal with two OLCs
First Lieutenant -- May 1989
Captain -- May 1991
Major – November 1998
Lieutenant Colonel – February 2003
Colonel – January 2007
(Current as of November 2011)
COLONEL THOMAS P. HESTERMAN
Colonel Thomas P. Hesterman is vice commander
of the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base,
La. He shares the responsibility of ensuring the
wing maintains a state of constant readiness to
provide flexible and responsive combat capability
on a global scale, autonomously or in concert with
other forces. He helps direct operations involving
the wing's fleet of B-52H bombers in support of the
Air Force's rapid-response, combat-ready force
that supports theater commanders worldwide as
well as strategic forces assigned to U.S. Strategic
Command.
Colonel Hesterman grew up in an Air Force family
and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in
1988. He worked on the Air Staff in a variety of
positions within the Air Force Requirements
Directorate. He served as the 2nd Operations
Group deputy commander and 20th Bomb
Squadron commander at Barksdale AFB. He is a command pilot with more than 4,000
flight hours as an instructor pilot in the B-2, B-52 and the Predator RPA. His deployment
experience includes 169 combat hours in Operation DESERT STORM, 80 reconnaissance
missions in Operation JOINT GUARD and 403 influence missions in the Pacific theater. He
also served as an expeditionary squadron commander of the 11th Expeditionary
Reconnaissance Squadron and the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.
EDUCATION
1988 Bachelor of Science in General Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.
1995 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
1996 Joint Employment Tactics School, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
1997 Master's of Science in Aeronautical Sciences, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,
Daytona Beach, Fla.
2000 Air Command and Staff College, Correspondence
2002 Bomber Aircraft Nuclear Weapons Course, Sandia Labs, Kirkland AFB, N.M.
2003 U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
2005 Air War College, Correspondence
6 2010 Air Force Senior Developmental Education Fellowship, RAND Corporation, Santa
Monica, Calif.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. August 1988 - August 1989, student, undergraduate pilot training, Laughlin AFB,
Texas
2. September 1989 - February 1990, student, B-52G combat crew training course,
Castle AFB, Calif.
3. March 1990 - July 1992, pilot and Standardization/Evaluation pilot, 62nd
Bombardment Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
4. July 1992 - January 1997, Standardization/Evaluation pilot, aircraft commander,
instructor pilot and Chief of Tactics, 20th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB
5. January 1997 - September 1999, instructor and evaluator pilot, flight commander and
assistant operations officer, 11th Reconnaissance Squadron, Creech AFB, Nev.
6. September 1999 - June 2002, mission commander, instructor pilot, flight commander
and assistant operations officer, 393rd Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
7. June 2002 - June 2003, student, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College,
Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
8. June 2003 - January 2006, chief, Nuclear Strike Capability CONOPS, executive
officer for the director, Air Force Operational Capability Requirements, and deputy
division chief, Force Application Division, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon,
Washington, D.C.
9. February 2006 - June 2006, B-52 student, Barksdale AFB
10. July 2006 - April 2007, director of operations, 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB
11. April 2007 - March 2009, commander, 20th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB
12. March - June 2009, deputy group commander, 2nd Operations Group, Barksdale
AFB
13. June 2009 - June 2010, Air Force SDE Fellow, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica
14. July 2010 - Present, vice wing commander, 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight hours: More than 4,000
Aircraft flown: B-2A, B-52G, B-52H, T-37, T-38 and RQ-1
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
7 EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant -- June 1988
First Lieutenant – June 1990
Captain -- June 1992
Major -- October 1999
Lieutenant Colonel -- August 2004
Colonel -- January 2010
(Current as of November 2011)
8 2D BOMB WING
Mission The 2nd Bomb Wing is the largest bomb wing in Air Force Global Strike Command and part of the historic 8th Air Force. The wing reflects the heritage of its motto, Libertatem Defendimus: “Liberty We Defend.” Personnel and Resources More than 8,500 active‐duty, Air Force Reserve members and civilians make up Barksdale’s workforce. About 26 B‐52 Stratofortress aircraft are also assigned to the wing. Organization The 2d Bomb Wing conducts the primary mission of Barksdale Air Force Base, La., with three squadrons of B‐52H Stratofortress bombers – the 11th Bomb Squadron, which is the training squadron, the 20th Bomb Squadron and the 96th Bomb Squadron. Together they ensure the 2nd Bomb Wing provides flexible, responsive, global combat capability, autonomously or in concert with other forces, and trains all Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force Reserve B‐52 crews. History The history of the 2nd Bomb Wing is nearly as old as American air power itself. Beginning in World War I, the unit was established by the American Expeditionary Forces as the first effort in aerial bombardment. Organized on Sept. 10, 1918, as the 1st Day Bombardment Group at Amanty Airdome, France, the group flew the French‐built Berguet 14 and the DeHavilland DH‐4 aircraft in the St. Mihiel Offensive. The group was deactivated after the war, then reorganized Sept. 18, 1919, at Ellington Field, Texas. The group stayed in Texas until July 1922 when it was redesignated the 2nd Bombardment Group and subsequently moved to Langley Field, Va. Under the direction of Brig. Gen William “Billy” Mitchell in 1921, the 2nd Bombardment Group participated in controversial tests to prove the efficiency of bombardment aircraft: the bombing and sinking of the World War I German battleship Ostfriesland. The 2nd Bombardment Group, operating from an improvised airdrome on the sands near Cape Hatteras, N.C., demonstrated its capabilities again by sinking the U.S. battleships Virginia and New Jersey on Sept. 5, 1923. 9 The 2nd Bomb Group received the first B‐17 bomber delivered to the U.S. Army on March 1, 1937. A goodwill tour of Argentina by six B‐17s in August 1938 highlighted the late 1930s. The 2nd Bomb Group was awarded the Mackay Trophy in 1939 for its mercy flight in support of Red Cross relief efforts for the victims of a massive earthquake in Chile. Remaining at Langley Field for more than 20 years, the 2nd Bomb Group underwent several name changes and operated a series of different aircraft, until it was thrust into action once again. Early in World War II, the 2nd Bomb Group was assigned anti‐submarine patrol duty, and in October 1942 was earmarked for combat. The unit started with fresh personnel at Ephrata, Wash., and entered combat operations in North Africa in March 1943. It subsequently became the 2nd Bombardment Group (Heavy) in July 1943, while flying the B‐17 bomber against Axis targets in the Mediterranean area. From April 28, 1943, until May 1, 1945, the unit flew a total of 412 combat missions, bombing targets in Africa, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia, Greece and Poland. The phase‐down of the vast American military following World War II was reflected in the activities of the 2nd Bombardment Group. It was inactivated in Italy in 1946, only to be reactivated at Andrews Field, Md., July 1, 1947. The group didn’t become operational until arriving at Davis‐Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., weeks later. During the late summer and early fall of 1947, the group served temporary duty in the United Kingdom. In May 1949, the wing transferred to Chatham Air Force Base, near Savannah, Ga. A year later, portions of the wing performed temporary duty in the United Kingdom, and in 1951 the 2nd Bomb Wing became the first Strategic Air Command wing to participate in temporary duty exercises overseas. The wing left Georgia April 1, 1963, and moved to Barksdale Air Force Base, taking control of the B‐52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 4238th Strategic Wing. Wing aircrews flew combat missions in Southeast Asia starting in 1965. They flew B‐52 missions for Operation Arc Light and provided KC‐135 air refueling for Operation Young Tiger. In April 1972 the wing deployed to the Western Pacific in support of Operation Bullet Shot, the increased bombing operations over Southeast Asia. Aircraft of the 2nd Bomb Wing also participated in the “11‐day war” of December 1972, dubbed Operation Linebacker II, which brought the conflict in Southeast Asia to an official end. The wing’s aircraft and crews returned to Barksdale in October 1973. In 1983, wing tanker aircraft and personnel participated in Operation Urgent Fury, the Unites States invasion of the Caribbean island of Grenada. In April 1986, wing KC‐10s and personnel deployed to the United Kingdom with support F‐111 and EF‐111 strike aircraft during Operation Eldorado Canyon. The United States attacked Libya to discourage state‐sponsored terrorism. In 1989, 2nd Bomb Wing personnel and tanker aircraft participated in Operation Just Cause, which ousted President Manuel Noriega and restored democracy to Panama. In 1990 and 1991, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm brought Barksdale warriors into the spotlight again. Seven B‐52G aircraft armed with conventional air‐launched cruise missiles launched the first strike of Desert Storm Jan. 17, 1991, flying the longest combat mission in history: a 35‐hour flight covering 14,000 miles, with four mid‐air refuelings. Wing B‐52s went on to drop 24 percent of all bombs dropped by the U.S. Air Force in the Persian Gulf War. 10 In March 1991, two B‐52Gs and KC‐10 flew to Russia as part of a goodwill flight to help the Commonwealth of Independent States (formerly the Soviet Union) observe 50 years of long‐range aviation. In a reciprocal visit, two Russian TU‐95 Bear bombers and AV‐124 cargo aircraft flew nonstop from Russia to Barksdale in May 1992. This marked the first time in history a Russian bomber landed on American soil. To more adequately address its mixture of tankers and bombers, the wing was redesignated the 2nd Wing Sept. 1, 1991. The 2nd Wing received the Omaha Trophy as the Best Wing for Strategic Air Command in 1991. In December 1992, the last B‐52G left Barksdale for long‐term storage in Arizona. The 2nd Wing’s fleet of bombers was replaced with a newer B‐52H fleet. Also in December, the wing reclaimed the name of one of its original World War I bomb squadrons: the 20th Bomb Squadron. The wing was redesignated as the 2d Bomb Wing on Oct. 1, 1993, and transferred its KC‐135A Stratotankers and KC‐10 Extenders to Air Mobility Command’s 458th Operations Group at Barksdale. With this transfer, the 2nd Bomb Wing ended 46 years of air refueling operations. But the wing gained another mission in 1994 with the transfer of the responsibility to train all the Air Force’s B‐52 crews. Two 2nd Bomb Wing B‐52Hs flew the first‐ever around‐the‐world bombing mission on Aug. 1, 1994. The trip took 47.2 hours, the longest jet flight ever – one more demonstration of the wing’s ability to extend American military muscle anywhere in the world. Once again called upon to be the “Tip of the Sword,” two 2nd Bomb Wing B‐52Hs launched 13 conventional air‐launched cruise missiles at targets in Iraq on Sep. 3, 1996. Named Operation Desert Strike, B‐52H bombers saw their first‐ever combat action. September 1996 saw the 2nd Bomb Wing launching more than 13 conventional air‐launched cruise missiles during Operation Desert Strike at Iraqi targets when Iraq once again defied United Nations sanctions. Answering the call for the third time in a decade, the 2nd Bomb Wing lead allied forces in attacking Iraqi targets in December 1998. 2nd Bomb Wing aircraft launched more than 90 conventional air launched cruise missiles at Iraqi defense sites and installations during Operation Desert Fox. The 2nd Bomb Wing deployed to Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom, in February 1999 to support Operation Allied Force, a major theater air campaign directed against the military infrastructure of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. B‐52H crews released more than 6,600 munitions, 23 percent of all munitions expended by NATO forces, to repel Serbian aggression in Kosovo. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the men and women of the 2d Bomb Wing have continually served with distinction in the Global War on Terrorism. Operating from locations around the world, the wing played a pivotal role in defeating the repressive regimes of Afghanistan and Iraq during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom respectively. Today, as the largest bomb wing in the U.S. Air Force and part of the historic 8th Air Force, the wing continues to reflect the heritage of its motto, Libertatem Defendimus: “Liberty We Defend.” 11 Wing Emblem The emblem of the 2nd Bomb Wing reflects a proud heritage almost as old as American air power. In the shape of an Air Force shield, the emblem is divided at the top into five perpendicular stripes. The colors of the stripes — black and primitive green — are those that the wing bore as part of the Army Air Service during World War I. The three primitive green stripes represent the three major offensives in which the wing participated during that war: St. Mihiel, Lorraine and Meuse‐Argonne. The white fleur de lis at the top symbolizes France, the theater of operations for the wing’s World War I achievements. The lower portion of the shield is in Air Force golden yellow, charged with four aerial bombs in ultramarine blue, not only representing the original four combatant squadrons assigned during World War I, but also suggesting the unit’s present mission as a heavy bombardment wing of Air Combat Command. (Current as of August 2010) 12 UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Colonel Jonathan M. Ellis
Colonel Jonathan M. Ellis is commander of the
307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base,
La. The Air Force Reserve Command wing is
equipped with the B-52H Stratofortress to
conduct formal aircrew training and global
bomber operational taskings. Colonel Ellis is
responsible for more than 1,400 aircrew and
associated personnel and resources.
Colonel Ellis was commissioned through the
Reserve Officers Training Corps upon
graduating from the Pennsylvania State
University in 1984. He earned his navigator
wings in 1985 and his pilot wings in 1990. He
served on active duty from 1984 to 1996 before
joining the Air Force Reserves in 1996. Colonel Ellis has served as a Traditional
Reservist, an Active Guard and Reserve member and is currently an Air Reserve
Technician. He has served in several key positions as both a navigator and a pilot and
has previously commanded at the flight, squadron and group level.
Colonel Ellis is a command pilot with more than 4400 hours in B-52, T-37, T-38, T-1 and
RQ-4 aircraft.
EDUCATION
1984 Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Pennsylvania State University, State
College, Penn.
1995 Masters of Business Administration in Aviation Management, Embry-Riddle
13 Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
2002 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence
2005 Air War College, by correspondence
2008 Reserve Components National Security Course, Fort Lesley J. McNair,
Washington, D.C.
2009 COMAFFOR Senior Staff Course, Fort Dix, N.J.
2010 Advanced Joint Professional Military Education, Joint Forces Staff College,
Norfolk, VA
ASSIGNMENTS
1. January 1985 - November 1985, student, Undergraduate Navigator Training, Mather
Air Force Base, Calif.
2. November 1985 - June 1986, student, B-52G Combat Crew Training, 4017th Combat
Crew Training Squadron, Castle Air Force Base, Calif.
3. June 1986 - August 1988, B-52G navigator and instructor navigator, 441st
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), Mather Air Force Base, Calif.
4. August 1988 - January 1990, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Reese Air Force
Base, Texas
5. January 1990 - May 1990, student, B-52G Combat Crew Training, 4017th Combat
Crew Training Squadron, Castle Air Force Base, Calif.
6. May 1990 - February 1992, B-52G pilot, 524th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy),
Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Mich.
7. February 1992 - June 1992, B-52G pilot, 328th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy),
Castle Air Force Base, Calif.
8. June 1992 - April 1993, B-52G standardization and evaluation pilot, 34th Bomb
Squadron, Castle Air Force Base, Calif.
9. April 1993 - April 1994, B-52G aircraft commander, 34th Bomb Squadron, Castle Air
Force Base, Calif.
10. April 1994 - August 1994, chief, Short Range Flight Scheduling, 34th Bomb
Squadron, Castle AFB, Calif.
11. August 1994 - May 1995, T-38A instructor pilot, 54th Flying Training Squadron,
Reese Air Force Base, Texas
12. May 1995 - October 1996, chief, Squadron Programming, 54th Flying Training
Squadron, Reese Air Force Base, Texas
13. October 1996 - March 1998, operations officer, 433rd Airlift Control Flight, Kelly Air
Force Base, Texas
14. March 1998 - July 1998, T-1A instructor pilot, 5th Flying Training Squadron, Vance
Air Force Base, Okla.
15. July 1998 - November 1999, T-1A flight operations officer, 5th Flying Training
Squadron, Vance Air Force Base, Okla.
14 16. November 1999 - June 2004, T-1A flight commander, 5th Flying Training Squadron,
Vance Air Force Base, Okla.
17. June 2004 - February 2005, assistant director of operations, 5th Flying Training
Squadron, Vance Air Force Base, Okla.
18. February 2005 - September 2008, commander, 13th Reconnaissance Squadron,
Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
19. September 2008 - October 2008, commander, Det 2, 10th Air Force, Beale Air
Force Base, Calif.
20. October 2008 - February 2012, commander, 940th Operations Group, Beale Air
Force Base, Calif.
21. February 2012 - Present, commander, 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force
Base, La
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Ratings: Command Pilot, Instructor Navigator
Flight Hours: 4,400+
Aircraft Flown: T-37, T-38A, T-1A, B-52G and RQ-4A
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal with Valor Device and three oak leaf clusters
Combat Readiness Medal with oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal with bronze star
Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze star
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant October 27, 1984
First Lieutenant October 27, 1986
Captain October 27, 1988
Major October 1, 1997
Lieutenant Colonel September 12, 2002
Colonel August 1, 2006
(Current as of February 2012) 15 UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
COLONEL JOSEPH C. JONES
Colonel Joseph Jones is the vice commander of
the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base,
La. As commander, he shares responsibility of
ensuring the Bomb Wing maintains a state of
constant readiness to provide flexible and
responsive combat capability on a global scale in
concert with other forces and provide B-52 combat
pilot training to include senior officer transition
training.
He was born in Pensacola, Fla., and grew up in
Vernon, Fla. Colonel Jones was commissioned at
Officers Training School, in Feb 1984. He spent 8
years on active duty and joined the Air Force
Reserve in 1995.
EDUCATION
1980 Oxford Scholar Program, Jesus College, Oxford,
England
1982 Bachelor of Science, Physical Science, with double
minor in Math and Computer Science,
Troy State University, Troy, Ala.
1987 Radar Navigator Upgrade Training Distinguished
Graduate, Castle Air Force Base, Calif.
1997 Squadron Officer School, correspondence
2000 Medical Doctorate, Louisiana State Medical Center, Shreveport, La.
2004 Air Command and Staff College, correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 1984 - September 1984, undergraduate navigator training, 323d Flying
16 Training Wing, Mather Air Force Base, Sacramento, Calif.
2. September 1984 - December 1985, B-52G student navigator training, 4017 Combat
Crew Training School, Castle Air Force Base, Calif.
3. December 1985 - July 1987, B-52G radar navigator, 62d Bomb Squadron, 2d Bomb
Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
4. July 1987 - October 1987, student, 329th Combat Crew Training Squadron, Castle
Air Force Base, Calif.
5. October 1987 - December 1987, student, Radar Navigator Upgrade Training, 62d
Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
6. December 1987 - December 1990, radar navigator, 62d Bomb Squadron, Barksdale
Air Force Base, La.
7. December 1990 - September 1992, executive officer to vice commander, 8th Air
Force, Barksdale AFB, La.
8. September 1992 - May 1995, inactive
9. May 1995 - April 2005, flight commander, 93rd Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force
Base, La.
10. April 2005 - August 2009, director of operations, 93rd Bomb Squadron, Barksdale
Air Force Base, La.
11. August 2009 - March 2011, commander, 93rd Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force
Base, La.
12. March 2011 - Present, vice commander, 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force
Base, La.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Radar Navigator
Flight hours: 4,256.4
Aircraft flown: B-52 G/H, T-37, T-43
Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor
Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters (one for heroism, two for special achievement, two
for sustained aerial combat)
Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Combat Action Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device, six oak leaf clusters
Combat Readiness Medal with six oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal with star
17 Afghanistan Campaign Medal with star
Iraq Campaign Medal with two stars
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with gold clasp
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M 4 devices and bronze hourglass
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon
Second Lieutenant February 29, 1984
First Lieutenant February 28, 1986
Captain February 28, 1988
Major October 1, 1998
Lieutenant Colonel September 30, 2004
Colonel March 6, 2011
(Current as of March 2011) 18 307TH BOMB WING
MISSION
The 307th Bomb Wing operates the B-52H Stratofortress. Located at Barksdale Air
Force Base, La., the Wing employs approximately 1,700 Air Force Reserve personnel.
The primary mission of the 93rd Bomb Squadron is to train B-52 aircrew to employ the
B-52 in combat. The 343rd Bomb Squadron is a classic associate unit working
alongside the 2nd Bomb Wing 20/96th Bomb Squadron. The 307th Maintenance Group
provides B-52 sortie production for the 340th Weapons Squadron and the 49th Test and
Evaluation Squadron.
HISTORY
The 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) was activated in 1942 by the Army Air Corps
Combat Command after an attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into war with
Japan. In succeeding years, the 307th's participation in World War II, the Korean
Conflict, the Cold War, and the Vietnam Conflict proved it to be one of the most
renowned bombing units in military annals.
On April 15, 1942, the 307th began operations as a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber unit at
Geiger Field, Washington. Its first mission--to guard the northwestern United States and
Alaskan coasts against armed invasion this prepared the group for its later role in the
Pacific Theater of World War II.
After patrolling the coastline of America for five months, the 307th's B-17s were
replaced with the famous B-24 "Liberators." Subsequently, the entire unit was
transferred to Sioux City, Iowa, for a brief training period.
After completing a three-week B-24 familiarization program, the 307th relocated its
entire cadre and 35 bombers to Hamilton Field, California. Three days later the B-24s
deployed to Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands.
An old Norwegian freighter slowly transported the remainder of the group to its "Pacific
Paradise".
Upon arrival at Oahu, each of the group's four squadrons was assigned to a different
Hawaiian location--the 370th to Kipapa, the 371st to Wheeler Field, the 372nd to
Kabuka and the 424th to Mokaleia. Headquarters for the 307th was at Hickam Field.
Finally settled at Oahu, 307th bombers began search and patrol missions over the
19 surrounding Pacific area. Maintaining a 24-hour vigil, the bombers were to avert any
naval attack against the Hawaiian Islands.
Group bombers received their first taste of combat December 27, 1942. Twenty-seven
of the group's aircraft were deployed from Oahu to Midway Island. From here, the B-24s
staged their first attack against an enemy fortress on Wake Island. The enemy was
taken by surprise during the predawn raid. Before Japanese units responded with a
barrage of anti-aircraft fire, 307th bombers had blasted 90 percent of the Wake
stronghold. All aircraft returned safely from what was considered the longest mass-raid
of that time. It was from this mission that the 307th Bomb Group became known as "The
Long Rangers".
The 307th moved to Guadalcanal in February 1943. From their new location on the
largest of the Solomon Islands, group bombers attacked fortified Japanese airfields and
shipping installations within the Southwest Pacific.
At Guadalcanal, ground support troops were subject to massive air attacks by enemy
bomber and fighter aircraft. On a warm day in March 1943, three waves of Japanese
planes blasted the airfield, causing the greatest number of 307th casualties during the
war.
On November 11, 1943, the 307th participated in the larges aerial strike of the South
Pacific War. In conjunction with United States naval elements, group bombers pounded
enemy war and merchant ships at Rabaul, New Guinea. Amidst swarms of Japanese
"Zeros" and heavy anti-aircraft fire, 307th aircraft released their bombs, leaving the port
of Rabaul in complete ruin.
Throughout the remainder of the war, 307th aircraft continued to cripple the debilitated
enemy. Group elements neutralized Japanese forces at Yap, Truk, and Palau islands.
Bombing strikes against Japanese shipping centers in the Philippines inhibited the
enemy from gaining a further strong hold in the area. An unescorted attack by group
aircraft against oil refineries at Balikapan, Borneo, October 3, 1944 helped assure an
allied victory in the South Pacific.
Following V-J Day in August of 1945, 307th aircraft ferried former American war
prisoners from Okinawa to Manila.
No longer needed, the group returned to the states in December 1945 and was
subsequently deactivated.
While in the Pacific, the 307th was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations--one for an
air strike against Truk on March 29, 1944 and another for a strike against the refineries
at Borneo on October 3, 1944. The group was also awarded the Philippine Presidential
Unit Citation for its active role in the Philippines campaign.
With barely time to form cobwebs, the 307th Bombardment Group was reactivated
August 4, 1946. Located at MacDill Field, Florida, the group was equipped with huge B20 29 Superfortresses and the wing was appropriately designated "Very Heavy."
Strategic Air Command (SAC) then selected the 307th as its first antisubmarine unit in
December 1946. Precursor to similar SAC units, the group acted as a "guinea pig" in
the development of new anti-sub tactics and operational procedures.
During its training years, the 307th was continually called upon to demonstrate bomber
effectiveness. At the 1949 inaugural ceremonies, group bombers led an aerial display
honoring incumbent President Harry S. Truman.
The 307th continued to train as an anti-sub unit until war erupted in Korea. In 1950, the
group was temporarily assigned to Kadena Airfield on Okinawa. From the Okinawa
airfield, group bombers staged attacks against the rapidly advancing communist forces
in South Korea.
Word filters through the grapevine that a truce will be signed to end the "Korean
Conflict" within twenty-four hours. The B-29's of the 307th are serviced; bombs and
ammo loaded, preflighted, and take off for their last bomb run of the conflict. This is the
573rd mission of the conflict for the 307th. Colonel Austin J. Russell of Monett, Missouri
led the raid. There will be a full eclipse of the moon before they reach the target. There
are thunderstorms over the Yalu River so there will be no fighter opposition this night.
The bombs are dropped and the wing returns to Kadena AFB, Okinawa. With this
mission the 307th has flown 5,810 sorties and dropped 58,100 tons of high explosives
in Korea during the conflict. By mid-1953, United Nations forces had contained the
enemy north of the 38th parallel and the war was more or less over.
While in Okinawa, the 307th was awarded the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit
Citation for its air strikes against enemy forces in Korea. It was also awarded the
Distinguished Unit Citation and several campaign streamers.
Finished with its task in Korea, the 307th returned to the United States in 1954.
Assigned to Lincoln AFB, Nebraska, the group's B-29s were replaced with sweptwinged B-47 Stratojets. The sleek new bombers were the first jet-propelled aircraft
assigned the wing. The wing was then designated as the 307th Bombardment Wing
(Medium).
On July 1, 1955 the 307th Bomb Wing was placed under the command of the Eight Air
Force. There were 43 B-47s and 21 KC-97 type aircraft assigned to the Wing.
The wing suffered its first casualties, when a B-47 went down near Ceresco, Nebraska.
Capt. James W. Sullivan, Lt. Anthony C. Marcanti, Lt. Lawrence A. Schmidt, and Airman
1st Class James J. Berry lost their lives. The crash occurred 15 minutes after takeoff.
June 19, 1956, the 307th Bomb Wing made its last ferry flight in connection with the
replacement of its older aircraft. The Wing is preparing for deployment to Lakenheath,
United Kingdom. 15 B-47 aircraft departed Lincoln AFB on July 3 and arrived at
21 Lakenheath. Due to a weather delay, the second and third waves of B-47's departed
Lincoln two days later than the planned deployment date. The KC-97's deploying to
Greenham-Common, were not so fortunate. Due to propeller difficulties they were
delayed indefinitely.
The 307th Bomb Wing participates in operation "Pink Lady." Target "Bravo" was the top
of the Bell Tower of the Tower of London. Target "Golf" was the center of the bridge at
Windsor Castle.
During the first leg of their redeployment back to Lincoln, fifty wing personnel are lost
aboard a Navy MATS C-118 enroute from Lakenheath to the Azores. An air/sea search
was held for a week, with the only trace being two empty life rafts found off the
northwest coast of Spain. Nine Navy crewmembers were also lost. A stunned base
attended a Memorial Service at Lincoln on October 29, 1956.
In 1957, the 307th Bomb Wing was involved in Reflex at Greenham-Common RAFB.
They maintained five aircraft on alert at this station on a rotational basis. The B-47
aircraft were to rotate approximately every 8 days.
In February 1958, at Lincoln AFB, the 307th crews participated in operation "Noon Day."
This operation supplied training for crews from the 307th and helped evaluate the
defense capability of the 37th Air Division. Various radars were encountered and fighter
opposition was F-84, F-89, F-94, F-100, and F-102's. Sweep jamming and burst chaff
tactics were used.
During April of 1958 a near miss with a tower that was not on the sectional maps was a
hair-raiser for a "Pop-Up" crew. It was near Wessington, Minnesota. The two towers
were approximately 600 feet tall. By May the crews began to send aircraft to depots for
operation "Milk Bottle" for a wing strengthening modification so they would be safe for
"Pop-Up" missions.
By September, the Wing, having been directed to maintain one-third of its force on alert,
found that more crews were needed. To alleviate this, a fourth bomb squadron, the
424th, was activated. The one-third alert posture also dictated a change in the
maintenance concept. Until this time, all flight line crew chiefs and assistants were
organic to the various bomb squadrons, which also had their own supply support. Crew
chiefs were then consolidated into a newly created squadron, the 307th Organizational
Maintenance Squadron, and squadron supply personnel were integrated into base
supply. Lincoln and Little Rock were test wings for this concept, which was later
implemented by all SAC wings.
The 307th Bombardment Wing along with other units at Lincoln AFB, was realigned
under the Strategic Air Command's Second Air Force (2AF) headquartered at Barksdale
AFB, Louisiana on January 1, 1959.
That same month they were directed to fly four aircraft in support of an Air Research
22 and Development Command (ARDC) project (Swordfish), four flights on each day.
Swordfish flights were to assist radar calibration of the new SAGE air defense network.
During this period, the wing fulfilled a commitment of having one third of the force on
alert. An overseas Reflex commitment was added in July of 1959. These commitments,
combined with normal training requirements presented a heavy load, which many times
resulted in crews being denied crew rest and time off. To try to make things better, SAC
started experimenting with variations of the alert schedule, SAC took an integrated
approach to the problem of Alert - Reflex- training, and came up with the six week cycle
as a guideline for crew scheduling.
During its tenure at Lincoln AFB, the wing set records that may never be equaled again.
It won a SAC Bomb Competition and participated in the Cuban Missile crisis. On
October 1, 1959 the wing established a never broken SAC record for 2,327 consecutive
sorties without deviation from the flying schedule and they also won the SACs coveted
"Fairchild Trophy." Five maintenance personnel received spot promotions for their
outstanding job in the competition: Foster, Hall, Hoffman, Myatt, and Wise.
For the month of December the 307th Bomb Wing was able to record the first 100 %
reliable high altitude synchronous bombing since conversion to B-47's.
May 1960 witnessed the transfer of the 307th ARS to Selfridge AFB in Michigan. This
was done as part of SAC's plan for aircraft dispersal and to position the tankers farther
along the EWO routes of the egressing bombers. The ARS remained at Selfridge until
deactivated in 1964. The unit was later reactivated in KC-135 tankers and served
through the Persian Gulf War.
In 1961, the new Kennedy administration directed that half of the force be on 15 minute
ground alert. This level was attained by the 307th in July. An accelerated B-47 phase
out was also ordered to provide more trained crews for B-52s for the expanded ground
alert.
In 1962, six of the Wing's B-47s were modified into EB-47s. They were dubbed "Pipe
Cleaner" aircraft and their mission was to act as an airborne UHF radio relay platform
for promulgation of the emergency action (Noah's Arc) messages.
In response to President Kennedy's missile crisis declaration to the nation, orders
directed the initial dispersal of some 307th Bomb Wing personnel and aircraft to civilian
airfields. Four aircraft were directed to General Mitchell Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
and eight aircraft were ordered to Duluth Municipal Airport, Duluth, Minnesota. All
Reflex deployments and redeployments were canceled during the "Cuban Crisis."
Crews were sent to the UK to man several B-47s, which had been reconfigured from
training aircraft to EWO status.
The remaining aircraft at Lincoln were generated to EWO configuration and were placed
on alert. Base support personnel were used as augmentees with the security forces and
23 in other direct support roles. Every aircraft had a guard assigned around the clock.
Those crews who dispersed to civilian fields found that initially, once in place, they were
on their own, and had to rely on good old Yankee resourcefulness. To have their aircraft
refueled, several aircraft commanders had to pull out their personal gasoline company
charge cards to pay for the 10,000 gallons or so that their bird devoured. Following
conclusion of the missile crisis, the aircrews were ordered to return from their dispersal
bases to Lincoln.
While at Lincoln, the 307th functioned as a Combat Ready Unit, conducting combat
training missions and maintaining an alert force commitment, both at Lincoln and
overseas bases, until its deactivation on March 25, 1965.
While at Lincoln AFB, some of the wing's temporary duties locations and overseas
Reflex stations were located in the UK at Lakenheath, Upper Hayford, Fairford and
Greenham-Common, and in Spain at Moron, Torrejon and Zaragoza.
The 307th was formed again as a tanker wing for the "Vietnam Conflict," and later in the
"Conflict" served as a "B-52 Wing" flying "Arc Light" missions. In spring 1967, the wing
added strategic bombing to its mission. Equipped with B-52D Stratofortresses and
crews loaned from other wings, it began high altitude bombing of enemy targets in
South Vietnam on April 11, 1967. Under the operational nickname "Arc Light," wing
bombers flew over 35,000 strikes against the communist enemy from 1967 to mid-1970.
Their mission became more varied and complex as adversary capabilities matured.
They began their mission training to penetrate enemy air space at or above 35,000 feet.
Later missions would see these brave crews flying at tree top level, popping up to obtain
their target, making their bomb releases, executing high jink breakaways and dropping
back down on the deck to dodge missiles and triple A. These men did not have the
benefit of terrain following radar when these missions were flown. The B-52's got the
headlines, but B-47's were the backbone of SAC.
After another brief retirement period, the 307th was reorganized from the 4258th
Strategic Wing at U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, to support the air war in the Republic of
Vietnam. Designated the 307th Strategic Wing on 1 April 1970, the two-war veteran unit
began operations as an aerial refueling wing. Equipped with KC-135 Stratotankers, the
wing refueled Vietnam-bound fighters under the nickname "Young Tiger." From 1967 to
mid-1970, wing tankers flew over 50,000 sorties and were credited with 80 aircraft
"saves."
The 307th Strategic Wing was selected as SAC's outstanding wing for 1972, and
received the Omaha Award for its support of SEA operations. It was deactivated on 30
September 1975. The wing was awarded four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with
Combat "V" Device, and twice was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
with Palm.
24 During its brief history in Southeast Asia, the 307th received three Air Force
Outstanding Unit Awards--two of which were with other Eighth Air Force Units--for their
role in the Vietnam Conflict.
The 307th Bomb Wing was reactivated at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana on 1 Jan 2011 with
the 93rd and 343rd Bomb Squadrons. The Wing is assigned 18 B-52H Stratofortress
aircraft.
(Current as of January 2011)
MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN W.
"SEVE" WILSON
Maj. Gen. Stephen W. "Seve" Wilson is
Commander, Eighth Air Force (Air Forces
Strategic), Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and
Joint Functional Component Commander for
Global Strike, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt
AFB, Neb. "The Mighty Eighth" serves as the air
component headquarters to USSTRATCOM for
strategic deterrence, global strike, and operates
USSTRATCOM's Joint Air Operations Center. The
Joint Functional Component Command for Global
Strike plans and executes strategic deterrence
and global strike operations for USSTRATCOM.
General Wilson also commands Task Force 204
which oversees the Air Force nuclear bomber and
reconnaissance activities in support of
USSTRATCOM.
General Wilson received his commission from Texas A&M University in 1981. He has
commanded a squadron, group and two wings. Additionally, General Wilson
commanded the 28th Expeditionary Operations Group, comprising B-1, B-2 and B-52
aircraft during Operation Enduring Freedom, and twice served as CENTAF's Deputy
Director, Combined Air and Space Operations Center, supporting operations Iraqi
Freedom, Enduring Freedom and the Horn of Africa. Prior to his current assignment, the
general was the Commander of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia. He
also served there as the Installation Commander and provided support to three joint
forward headquarters and more than 11,000 Air Force, joint and coalition forces. The
composite wing includes strike; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; mobility;
aeromedical evacuation; and command and control assets supporting operations Iraqi
Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
General Wilson is a command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours and 680 combat
hours.
26 EDUCATION
1981 Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering, Texas A&M University
1989 Master of Science degree in engineering management, South Dakota School of
Mines & Technology
1993 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1997 U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nev.
2000 Master's degree in strategic studies, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2005 Leadership for a Democratic Society, Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville,
Va.
2007 Joint Force Air Component Commander Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2009 Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2010 Leadership Decision Making Program, John F. Kennedy School of Government,
Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 1981 - May 1982, student, undergraduate pilot training, Laughlin AFB, Texas
2. May 1982 - September 1986, T-38 instructor pilot, evaluator pilot and flight
commander, 86th Flying Training Squadron, Laughlin AFB, Texas
3. September 1986 - May 1987, B-1 student, 338th Combat Training Squadron, Dyess
AFB, Texas
4. May 1987 - July 1991, B-1 instructor pilot and flight commander, 77th Bomb
Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
5. July 1991 - July 1992, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 28th Operations Support
Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
6. July 1992 - July 1993, student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
7. July 1993 - September 1995, Joint Staff officer, Doctrine, Concepts and Initiatives
Division, Plans and Policy (J5), Headquarters U.S. European Command, Stuttgart,
Germany
8. September 1995 - June 1997, Chief of Safety, 28th Bomb Wing, later, operations
officer, 37th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
9. June 1997 - June 1999, Commander, B-1 Division, and instructor pilot, Weapons
Instructor Course, USAF Weapons School, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
10. August 1999 - June 2000, student, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
11. June 2000 - June 2002, Deputy Commander, 366th Operations Group, Mountain
Home AFB, Idaho
12. July 2002 - March 2004, Commander, 608th Air Operations Group, Barksdale AFB,
La.
13. March 2004 - June 2006, Commander, 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus AFB,
Miss.
14. June 2006 - July 2007, Deputy Director of Air, Space and Information Operations
(A2/3), Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph AFB, Texas
15. July 2007 - July 2009, Deputy Commander, Canadian North American Aerospace
Defense Region, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
16. July 2009 - July 2010, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia
17. July 2010 - June 2011, Director for Joint Integration, Directorate of Operational
27 Capability Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and
Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
18. June 2011 - present, Commander, Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic),
Barksdale AFB, La., and Joint Functional Component Commander for Global Strike,
U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb.
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
1. July 1993 - September 1995, Joint Staff officer, Doctrine, Concepts and Initiatives
Division, Plans and Policy (J5), Headquarters U.S. European Command, Stuttgart,
Germany, as a major
2. July 2007 - July 2009, Deputy Commander, Canadian North American Aerospace
Defense Region, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, as a colonel and brigadier general
3. June 2011 - present, Joint Functional Component Commander for Global Strike, U.S.
Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb., as a major general
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command pilot
Flight hours: More than 4,500, and 680 combat hours
Aircraft flown: T-37, T-38 and B-1
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with oak leaf cluster
Aerial Achievement Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Second Lieutenant June 2, 1981
First Lieutenant June 2, 1983
Captain June 2, 1985
Major June 1, 1993
Lieutenant Colonel Jan. 1, 1997
Colonel June 1, 2002
Brigadier General Dec. 3, 2007
Major General Sept. 1, 2011
(Current as of September 2011)
Colonel Robert F. Gass
Colonel Robert F. Gass is the Vice Commander,
8th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Barksdale Air
Force Base La. "The Mighty Eighth" serves as the
air component headquarters to U.S. Strategic
Command (USSTRATCOM) for strategic
deterrence, global strike, and operates
USSTRATCOM's Joint Air Operations Center.
Colonel Gass also serves as the vice commander
of Task Force 204, which was activated in
November 2007 to oversee Air Force nuclear
bomber and reconnaissance activities in support
of USSTRATCOM.
Colonel Gass received his commission through
the AFROTC program at the University of
Southern California in 1983. He began operational
flying as a B-52 bomber pilot in the Strategic Air Command. The colonel has served as
commander of the 9th Bomb Squadron, where he led his unit on two major deployments
in the B-1. His next flying assignment was as commander, 379th Expeditionary
Operations Group, where he led B-1, RC-135, E-8, KC-135, C-130 and C-21 operations
in and over Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. He also served as chief, Air
Campaign Strategy, 8th Air Force and chief, Strategy Integration and Analysis Division,
the Joint Staff (J-5). He most recently served as commander of the 7th Bomb Wing.
EDUCATION:
1983: Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, University of California, Irvine, Calif.
1988: Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
1995: Master's degree in humanities, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Calif.
1996: Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
1997: Master of Military Arts and Science, Theater Operations, Army School of
29 Advanced Military Studies, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
2002: Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2005: Master's degree in national security studies, distinguished graduate, National War
College, Fort McNair, District of Columbia.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. March 1984 - August 1985, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laughlin Air Force
Base, Texas
2. August 1985 - May 1987, B-52 pilot, Grand Forks AFB, N.D.
3. May 1987 - May 1988, B-1B pilot, Grand Forks AFB, N.D.
4. May 1988 - July 1988, student, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
5. July 1988 - September 1990, B-1B pilot/instructor pilot/aircraft commander, Grand
Forks AFB, N.D.
6. September 1990 - November 1993, B-1B aircraft commander/instructor pilot, Dyess
AFB, Texas
7. November 1993 - July 1994, chief, B-1B Formal Training Unit Pilot Academics, Dyess
AFB, Texas
8. July 1994 - November 1994, flight commander, B-1B FTU Pilot Academics, Dyess
AFB, Texas
9. November 1994 - June 1995, assistant operations officer, 28th Bomb Squadron,
Dyess AFB, Texas
10. June 1995 - June 1996, student, Army Command and General Staff College, Fort
Leavenworth, Kan.
11. June 1996 - June 1997, student, Army School of Advanced Military Studies, Fort
Leavenworth, Kan.
12. June 1997 - January 2000, chief, Air Campaign Strategy/Commander's Initiatives
Group, Eighth Air Force, Barksdale AFB, La.
13. January 2000 - September 2000, director, Student Affairs, B-1B FTU, 28th Bomb
Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas
14. September 2000 - February 2001, assistant director of operations, 28th Bomb
Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas
15. February 2001 - June 2002, director of operations, 28th Bomb Squadron, Dyess
AFB, Texas
16. June 2002 - August 2004, commander, 9th Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas
17. August 2004 - June 2005, student, National War College, Fort McNair, District of
Columbia
18. June 2005 - February 2006, deputy chief, Global Deterrence and Strike Division,
Joint Staff, Pentagon, District of Columbia
19. February 2006 - June 2008, chief, Strategy Integration and Analysis Division, Joint
Staff, Pentagon, District of Columbia (July 2007 - June 2008, commander, 379th
30 Expeditionary Operations Group, SWA)
20. July 2008 - July 2010, commander, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas
21. August 2010 - present, vice commander, Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic),
Barksdale AFB, La.
FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Flight hours: More than 4,200
Aircraft flown: T-38, B-52G, B-1B
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Second Lieutenant - June 14, 1983
First Lieutenant - Oct. 26, 1985
Captain - Oct. 26, 1987
Major - Nov. 1, 1995
Lieutenant Colonel - Feb. 1, 2000
Colonel - Jan. 1, 2006
(Current as of February 2011) 31 Eighth Air Force is one of two active duty numbered air forces in Air Force Global Strike Command. Eighth
Air Force, with headquarters at Barksdale AFB, in the Bossier City - Shreveport, La. metro area, supports
U.S. Joint Forces Command, and is designated as U.S. Strategic Command's Task Force 204, providing onalert, combat-ready forces to the president. The mission of "The Mighty Eighth" is to safeguard America's
interests through strategic deterrence and global combat power. Eighth Air Force controls long-range
nuclear-capable bomber assets throughout the United States and overseas locations. Its flexible,
conventional and nuclear deterrence mission provides the capability to deploy forces and engage enemy
threats from home station or forward positioned, anywhere, any time. The 8th Air Force motto is "Deterrence
through strength, global strike on demand."
Mission
The mission of the Mighty Eighth is to safeguard America's interests through strategic deterrence and global combat
power. The flexible, conventional and nuclear strategic mission gives Eighth Air Force the ability to deploy forces and
engage enemy threats both from home station or forward positioned, anywhere and at any time.
Personnel
The Eighth Air Force team consists of more than 16,000 active-duty, Air National Guard and Reserve professionals
operating and maintaining a variety of aircraft capable of deploying air power to any area of the world. This air power
includes the heart of America's heavy bomber force: the B-2 Spirit and the B-52 Stratofortress. The Mighty Eighth's B52 force consists of 76 bombers assigned to two active duty wings and one reserve wing located at Barksdale Air
Force Base, La., and Minot AFB, N.D. The B-2 force consists of 20 assigned bombers based at Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Organization
Under Air Force Global Strike Command since Feb. 1, 2010, Eighth Air Force controls strategic bomber assets
throughout the United States and overseas locations. Eighth Air Force is organized as a general purpose numbered
Air Force with a warfighting mission to support the U.S. Joint Forces and U.S. Strategic Commands. Eighth Air Force
has three wings, two Air Force Reserve Total Force Integration wings and one detachment in the continental United
States. Major bases and units include:
The 2nd Bomb Wing, located at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., conducts the primary mission of Barksdale Air Force
Base, La., with three squadrons of B-52H Stratofortress bombers. The 2nd Bomb Wing provides flexible, responsive,
global combat capability, autonomously or in concert with other forces, and trains all Air Force Global Strike
Command and Air Force Reserve B-52 crews.
The 5th Bomb Wing, located at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and its fleet of B-52H Stratofortress bombers serve as
part of the Air Force's conventional and strategic combat force. The men and women of the wing are capable of flying
anywhere around the world and delivering a wide range of precision-guided munitions
The 509th Bomb Wing, located at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is one of only two Air Force units to operate the B2 Spirit stealth bomber. The unit can launch combat sorties directly from Missouri to any spot on the globe, engaging
adversaries with large payloads of traditional or precision-guided munitions.
The 608th Ira C. Eaker Air & Space Operations Center is the "Mighty Eighth's" senior element of our global
warfighting Command and Control capabilities. The AOC operates at the operational level of warfare; where specific
missions are planned, integrated, controlled and assessed. At this level, the 608th AOC conducts global operations
and intelligence motoring for situational awareness, develops integrated executable plans and tasking orders for
32 selected courses of action and provides command and control capability for execution of assigned Global Strike
forces when directed.
Task Force 204 is the Air Force's nuclear command center responsible for the day-to-day capability provided by
bombers and RISNO (Reconnaissance in Support of Nuclear Operations) assets. Task Force 204 presents worldwide
strategic bomber and reconnaissance capabilities to U.S. Strategic Command and ensures assigned bomber and
reconnaissance forces are able to perform their taskings under the U.S. Strategic Command's Operations Plan. The
task force also actively monitors force generation for bomber and reconnaissance assets, weapons stockpiles and
nuclear force training.
Other assets
In addition, two other wings, the 307th Bomb Wing (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, La. and the 131st Bomb Wing (ANG),
Whiteman AFB, Mo., work with 8th Air Force as well the 102nd Air Operations Group, 102nd Intelligence Wing
(ANG), Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass.
Bomber Capabilities
The B-2 Spirit is a long-range nuclear and conventional stealthy bomber. The bomber can fly at high subsonic speeds
at altitudes that can reach 50,000 feet. Its unrefueled range is at least 6,000 nautical miles. The B-2 brings massive
firepower, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through the most challenging defenses.
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, nuclear and conventional heavy bomber that can perform a variety of
missions. The bomber can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes reaching 50,000 feet. It has an unrefueled combat
range in excess of 8,800 miles. It can carry precision-guided ordnance with worldwide precision navigation.
History
The VIII Bomber Command (later redesignated Eighth Air Force on Feb. 22, 1944) was activated as part of the U.S.
Army Air Force on Feb. 1, 1942, at Langley Field, Va. About ten days later, the VIII Bomber Command joined its
parent unit, Eighth Air Force at Hunter Field in Savannah, Ga. Thirteen days later, Brig. Gen. Ira C. Eaker took VIII
Bomber Command to Daws Hill, England. Once on English soil, a permanent home for VIII Bomber Command was
soon established. From May 1942 until July 1945, VIII Bomber Command would plan and execute the American
daylight, precision, and strategic bombing campaign over Nazi-occupied Europe from a former girls school at High
Wycombe, England.
During World War II, under the leadership of such generals as Ira Eaker and Jimmy Doolittle, the VIII Bomber
Command became the greatest air armada in history. On Feb. 22, 1944, the Army reorganized its Air Forces in
Europe. In redesignation actions, Eighth Air Force became the United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe (now the
United States Air Forces in Europe), and the VIII Bomber Command became Eighth Air Force. By mid-1944, Eighth
Air Force had reached a total strength of more than 200,000 people (it is estimated that more than 350,000
Americans served in Eighth Air Force during the war in Europe.) At peak strength, Eighth Air Force could dispatch
more than 2,000 four-engine bombers and more than 1,000 fighters on a single mission. For these reasons, Eighth
Air Force became known as the "Mighty Eighth."
The Mighty Eighth compiled an impressive record in the war. This achievement, however, carried a high price. Half of
the U.S. Army Air Force's casualties in WW II were suffered by Eighth Air Force (more than 47,000 casualties, with
more than 26,000 dead). Seventeen Medals of Honor went to Eighth Air Force personnel during the war. By war's
end, they had been awarded a number of other medals to include 220 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 442,000
Air Medals. Many more awards were made to Eighth Air Force veterans after the war that remain uncounted. There
were 261 fighter aces in the Eighth Air Force during World War II. Thirty-one of these aces had 15 or more aircraft
kills apiece. Another 305 enlisted gunners were also recognized as aces.
Following the end of the war in Europe, Eighth Air Force headquarters moved to Okinawa in July 1945, to train new
bomber groups for combat against Japan. However, the Japanese surrendered before Eighth Air Force saw action in
the Pacific theater. In June 1946, the headquarters moved to MacDill Field, Fla., to join the newly established
Strategic Air Command. In November 1950, the headquarters transferred to Fort Worth Army Air Field (later Carswell
33 AFB), Texas.
Eighth Air Force spent the next few years building its strategic capabilities. As a result, the Eighth had a minimal role
in the Korean War, only deploying the 27th Fighter Wing to fly combat missions over Korea. On June 13, 1955,
Eighth Air Force moved to Westover AFB, Mass., and began the transition to the jet age with the B-47 and KC-97
aircraft. These aircraft were phased out in the early 1960s and were replaced by the KC-135 tankers, the Atlas InterContinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), the Titan I ICBM, and early models of the current workhorse, the B-52.
Eighth Air Force was called upon again in 1965 to perform combat missions in Southeast Asia. The Eighth
periodically deployed its stateside-based B-52 bomber and KC-135 tanker units to operating bases in Guam,
Okinawa and Thailand. In April 1970, Eighth Air Force Headquarters transferred to Andersen AFB, Guam to direct
these operations. The intensive bombing of the Hanoi and Haiphong areas during the 11-day period in December
1972, known as Linebacker II, or the Christmas-Day Bombing Campaign, was but one highlight of the period. Those
bombing missions influenced the North Vietnamese government to return to the negotiating table. Following the end
of hostilities in Southeast Asia, Eighth Air Force moved to its current home, Barksdale AFB, La., replacing Second Air
Force on Jan. 1, 1975.
In the 1980s, the Eighth participated in several key operations such as operating the tanker task force for Operation
Urgent Fury in 1983 and directing all air refueling operations for Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986 and Operation
Just Cause in 1989.
Eighth Air Force units played a key role in Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm, spearheading the
combat phase with B-52G strikes from Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. The B-52s launched conventional air-launched
cruise missiles on Iraq targets to begin the war. Eighth Air Force units, temporarily forward deployed into the Persian
Gulf region, bombed Iraq's Republican Guard forces and other key strategic targets during the conflict. The majority
of air refueling and tactical reconnaissance assets came from the Mighty Eighth as well.
On Dec. 16, 1998, Eighth Air Force was once again called into action during Operation Desert Fox. Joining other
allied forces in the Arabian Gulf, B-52s, as well as B-1 bombers, in their combat debut, participated in the air strike
campaign to reduce Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program and other strategic targets.
Units from the "Mighty Eighth" returned to combat in Europe for the first time in more than 50 years during Operation
Allied Force, March 24 through June 10, 1999. During the 78-day air campaign, B-1s, B-2s and B-52s joined other
NATO and allied forces in the operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This first offensive action in
NATO history included the combat debut of the B-2.
B-1 and B-52 bombers (deployed to RAF Fairford U.K.) and B-2s (which operated from Whiteman AFB, Mo.) flew
close to 325 sorties, while dropping more than 7 million pounds of ordnance.
Eighth Air Force is again at the forefront of a new campaign ... the war on terrorism. Since the beginning of Operation
Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom in September 2001, the "Mighty Eighth's" bomber forces have
repeatedly deployed into the combat zone and engaged terrorist targets with precise lethal force. The bombers
unique combination of all-weather precision strike, large payload, and long range/extended loiter time have greatly
contributed to the nation's success in the skies over Afghanistan and Iraq. 34 UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Lieutenant General James M. Kowalski
Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski is Commander,
Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air
Force Base, La. He is responsible for organizing,
training, equipping and maintaining all U.S.
intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclearcapable bomber forces. The command's mission
is to develop and provide combat-ready forces for
nuclear deterrence and global strike operations to
support the President of the United States and
combatant commanders. The command
comprises more than 23,000 professionals
operating at various locations around the globe.
The command's six wings control the nation's
entire inventory of Minuteman III intercontinental
ballistic missiles, B-2 and B-52 bomber aircraft.
General Kowalski entered active duty in 1980
through the ROTC program at the University of
Cincinnati. He has held a variety of operational
commands, including a bomb squadron, an
operations group, a bomb wing and an air control
wing.
His contingency and wartime experience include command of the 2nd Operations
Group when they deployed B-52s for combat during operations Noble Anvil and Allied
Force, and command of the 28th Bomb Wing when they deployed B-1Bs for Operation
Iraqi Freedom. From January 2003 to May 2003, General Kowalski commanded the
405th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia where he led a combined wing of B1Bs, E-3s and KC-135s to provide strike, battle management, and air refueling for
operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. His previous staff
assignments include Headquarters Air Combat Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Force
and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to his current assignment, he served as Vice
Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command.
EDUCATION
35 1979 Bachelor of Business Administration degree, University of Cincinnati, Ohio
1984 Distinguished graduate, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1985 Master's degree in management, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant
1993 Distinguished graduate, Master's degree in national security and strategic studies,
College of Naval Command and Staff, Naval War College, Newport, R.I.
1997 Secretary of Defense Fellows Program with duty at McDonnell Douglas
Aerospace, St. Louis, Mo.
2002 Joint Aerospace Operations Senior Staff Course, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
2004 Senior Leader Course, Center for Creative Leadership, San Diego, Calif.
2006 Combined Force Air Component Commander Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2008 Leadership Seminar, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C
2008 Seminar XXI, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
2010 Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. April 1980 - April 1981, student, undergraduate pilot training, Laughlin AFB, Texas
2. May 1981 - October 1982, B-52D pilot, 2nd Bombardment Squadron, March AFB,
Calif.
3. November 1982 - September 1986, aircraft commander, instructor pilot and wing
tactics officer, 524th Bombardment Squadron, Wurtsmith AFB, Mich.
4. October 1986 - October 1987, Air Staff Training Program, the Pentagon, Washington
D.C.
5. October 1987 - November 1989, B-1B instructor pilot and Chief of Standardization
and Evaluation, 384th Bombardment Wing, McConnell AFB, Kan.
6. November 1989 - August 1992, B-1B instructor pilot and Chief of Wing
Standardization and Evaluation, 96th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas
7. August 1992 - June 1993, student, College of Naval Command and Staff, Naval War
College, Newport, R.I.
8. June 1993 - July 1994, Chief, Long-Range Attack Planning and Programming,
Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
9. July 1994 - August 1996, Commander, 28th Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas
10. August 1996 - June 1997, Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow, McDonnellDouglas Aerospace, St. Louis, Mo.
11. June 1997 - April 1999, Chief, Forces Assignment Branch, Directorate of Force
Structure (J8), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
12. May 1999 - December 2000, Commander, 2nd Operations Group, Barksdale AFB,
La.
13. December 2000 - April 2002, Assistant Director of Aerospace Operations,
Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, Va.
14. April 2002 - February 2004, Commander, 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
(January 2003 - May 2003, Commander, 405th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia)
15. July 2004 - October 2005, Deputy Director, Operational Plans and Joint Matters,
Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
16. November 2005 - May 2007, Commander, 552nd Air Control Wing, Tinker AFB,
Okla.
17. June 2007 - January 2009, Deputy Director for Global Operations (J39), Operations
36 Directorate, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
18. January 2009 - August 2009, Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command
(Provisional), Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C.
19. August 2009 - January 2011, Vice Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command,
Barksdale, AFB, La.
20. January 2011 - present, Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale
AFB, La.
1. June 1997 - April 1999, Chief, Forces Assignment Branch, Directorate of Force
Structure (J8), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as a lieutenant colonel
2. June 2007 - January 2009, Deputy Director for Global Operations (J39), Operations
Directorate, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as a brigadier general
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Flight hours: More than 4,500, including 127 combat hours
Aircraft flown: E-3, B-1B, B-52D/G/H, T-38 and T-37
Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters
Bronze Star Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Combat Readiness Medal with oak leaf cluster
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Second Lieutenant June 9, 1979
First Lieutenant March 14, 1981
Captain March 14, 1983
Major Jan. 1, 1990
Lieutenant Colonel March 1, 1994
Colonel May 1, 1999
Brigadier General Nov. 1, 2005
Major General May 7, 2009
Lieutenant General Jan. 6, 2011
(Current as of January 2011) 37 UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Major General Everett H. Thomas
Maj. Gen. Everett H. Thomas is Vice Commander, Air
Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force
Base, La. General Thomas assists the commander in
organizing, training, equipping and maintaining our
nation's Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles,
B-2 and B-52 aircraft. Air Force Global Strike
Command provides combatant commanders with
combat ready forces to conduct the strategic nuclear
deterrence and global strike missions.
General Thomas was commissioned through the
ROTC program in 1980. He has commanded at the
squadron, group, and wing levels, and has a broad
range of operational tours in ICBM and space operations and maintenance. He has
commanded an Air Force station, a space launch squadron, the Air Force's largest
Minuteman and Peacekeeper ICBM operations group at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and
the Air Force's largest ICBM wing at Malmstrom AFB, Mont. His staff assignments
include executive officer to the Vice Commander of Air Force Space Command, and
assistant executive officer to the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. He has also served as
Chief, Nuclear Arms Control Division and Deputy Director for the Middle East and
International Negotiations, Directorate for Strategic Plans and Programs and later as
Assistant Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs, Africa, and International
Negotiations on the Joint Staff.
General Thomas also served as Vice Commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center,
Nellis AFB, Nev., where he was the center's focal point for air, space and information
warfare expertise. Prior to his current assignment, he was Commander of the Air Force
Nuclear Weapons Center. He was responsible for sustainment of nuclear weapons and
weapons systems throughout the Air Force.
EDUCATION
1980 Bachelor of Science degree in environmental health, Mississippi Valley State
University, Itta Bena
38 1984 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1985 Master of Science degree in industrial safety, Central Missouri State University,
Warrensburg
1993 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1999 Master of Arts degree in national security and strategic studies, Naval War
College, Newport, R.I.
2004 National Security Management Course, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public
Affairs, Syracuse University, N.Y.
2009 Executive Course on National and International Security, George Washington
University, Washington, D.C.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. September 1980 - August 1982, executive support officer, 351st Civil Engineer
Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
2. September 1982 - April 1983, Commander, Squadron Section, 43rd Civil Engineer
Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam
3. May 1983 - November 1983, Commander, Headquarters Squadron Section, 43rd
Combat Support Group, Andersen AFB, Guam
4. January 1984 - March 1984, student, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
5. March 1984 - July 1984, student, initial qualification training, 4315th Intercontinental
Ballistic Missile Combat Crew Training Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
6. August 1984 - December 1986, deputy missile combat crew commander; missile
combat crew commander; and flight commander, 510th Strategic Missile Squadron,
Whiteman AFB, Mo.
7. January 1987 - September 1987, executive officer to the Commander, 351st
Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
8. October 1987 - August 1988, Air Staff Training officer, Directorate of Maintenance
and Supply, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
9. August 1988 - August 1991, officer-in-charge, Electro-Mechanical Branch; officer in
charge, Scheduling Control Branch; and officer in charge, Vehicle Equipment Control
Branch, 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D.
10. August 1991 - January 1992, executive manager to the Headquarters Strategic Air
Command/Headquarters U.S. Strategic Command (Provisional) Transition Team, Offutt
AFB, Neb.
11. January 1992- June 1992, executive officer to the Director of Plans and Programs,
Headquarters Strategic Air Command, and to the Director, Headquarters U.S. Strategic
Command (Provisional), Offutt AFB, Neb.
12. August 1992 - June 1993, student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB,
Ala.
13. June 1993 - April 1994, Chief, Spacelift Maintenance Booster Section, and
39 executive officer to the Director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Force Space Command,
Peterson AFB, Colo.
14. April 1994 - August 1994, executive officer to the Vice Commander, Air Force Space
Command, Peterson AFB, Colo.
15. August 1994 - August 1995, assistant executive officer to the Vice Chief of Staff,
U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
16. September 1995 - November 1996, Commander, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,
Fla.
17. November 1996 - June 1998, Commander, 5th Space Launch Squadron, Cape
Canaveral AFS, Fla.
18. August 1998 - August 1999, student, Naval War College, Newport, R.I.
19. August 1999 - July 2001, Commander, 90th Operations Group, F.E. Warren AFB,
Wyo.
20. July 2001 - September 2002, Chief, Nuclear Arms Control Division; and Deputy
Director, Middle East and International Negotiations, Directorate for Strategic Plans and
Programs (J5), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
21. October 2002 - June 2003, Assistant Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs,
Africa, and International Negotiations, Directorate for Strategic Plans and Programs
(J5), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
22. June 2003 - June 2004, Vice Commander, 45th Space Wing, Patrick AFB, Fla.
23. July 2004 - April 2006, Commander, 341st Space Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
24. April 2006 - April 2008, Vice Commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Nellis
AFB, Nev.
25. April 2008 - January 2011, Commander, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center,
Kirtland AFB, N.M.
26. January 2011 - present, Vice Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command,
Barksdale AFB, La.
1. July 2001 - September 2002, Chief, Nuclear Arms Control Division; and Deputy
Director, Middle East and International Negotiations, Directorate for Strategic Plans and
Programs (J5), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as a colonel
2. October 2002 - June 2003, Assistant Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs,
Africa, and International Negotiations, Directorate for Strategic Plans and Programs
(J5), Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as a colonel
BADGES
Master Space Badge
Master Missile Badge
40 MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster
Second Lieutenant Sept. 7, 1980
First Lieutenant Sept. 7, 1982
Captain Sept. 7, 1984
Major Oct. 1, 1991
Lieutenant Colonel Feb. 1, 1995
Colonel May 1, 1999
Brigadier General Dec. 2, 2006
Major General July 16, 2010
(Current as of January 2012)
41 AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND
Air Force Global Strike Command, activated Aug. 7, 2009, is a major command headquartered
at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., in the Shreveport - Bossier City community. AFGSC is
responsible for the Nation's three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the two B-52 wings and
the only B-2 wing.
Mission
Develop and provide combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations -safe, secure, effective -- to support the President of the United States and Combatant
Commanders.
Vision
American Airmen with special trust and responsibility for the most powerful weapons in our
Nation's arsenal ... an elite, highly disciplined team ... a model command.
What We Value
- Individual responsibility for mission success
- Critical self-assessment of our performance
- Uncompromising adherence to all directives
- Superior technical and weapons system expertise
- Pride in our nuclear heritage and mission
- Respect for the worth and dignity of every Airman
- Safety in all things large ... and small
Organizations
Approximately 23,000 professionals are assigned to six wings, two geographically-separated
squadrons and one detachment in the continental United States and deployed to locations
around the globe. Major units and bases include: 20th Air Force at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and
the three ICBM wings under 20th Air Force -- the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.;
the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; and the 91st Missile at Minot AFB, N.D.; 8th
Air Force at Barksdale AFB, La. and the three bomber wings under 8th Air Force -- the 509th
Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo.; the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La.; and the 5th
Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D. In addition, two squadrons, the 576th Flight Test Squadron at
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Neb., fall
under the command, as well an Air Operations Group at Otis Air National Guard Base in Mass.,
and a detachment at Langley Air Force Base, Va.
42 Eighth Air Force is headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, in the Bossier City - Shreveport,
La., metro area. The numbered air force 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. The mission of "The Mighty Eighth" is to safeguard America's interests
through strategic deterrence and global combat power. Eighth Air Force controls long-range
nuclear-capable bomber assets throughout the United States and overseas locations. Its
flexible, conventional and nuclear deterrence mission provides the capability to deploy forces
and engage enemy threats from home station or forward positioned, anywhere, any time. The
8th Air Force motto is "Deterrence through strength, global strike on demand."
Twentieth Air Force, headquartered at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., also supports United States
Strategic Command. A numbered air force for AFGSC, 20th Air Force is responsible for
maintaining and operating the Air Force's ICBM force. Designated as STRATCOM's Task Force
214, 20th Air Force provides on-alert, combat-ready ICBMs to the President.
ICBM Capabilities
America's alert ICBMs are ready to launch on any given day, and America's ICBM team plays a
critical role in maintaining global stability and ensuring the Nation's safety and security. 450
Minuteman III missiles provide a critical component of America's on-alert strategic forces. As the
Nation's "silent sentinels," ICBMs, and the people who operate them, have remained on
continuous, around-the-clock alert since 1959.
AFGSC is the Air Force's lead command for and largest operator of UH-1N Huey helicopters.
The UH-1N supports ICBM operations in missile fields controlled by F.E. Warren AFB,
Malmstrom AFB and Minot AFB.
Bomber Capabilities
The B-2 Spirit is a long-range nuclear and conventional stealthy bomber. The bomber can fly at
high subsonic speeds at altitudes that can reach 50,000 feet. Its unrefueled range is at least
6,000 nautical miles. The B-2 brings massive firepower, in a short time, anywhere on the globe
through the most challenging defenses.
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, nuclear and conventional heavy bomber that can
perform a variety of missions. The bomber can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes reaching
50,000 feet. It has an unrefueled combat range in excess of 8,800 miles. It can carry precisionguided ordnance with worldwide precision navigation.
History
January 12, 2009 - Air Force officials officially established Air Force Global Strike Command
(Provisional) at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. with supporting detachments at Air
Combat Command and Air Force Space Command, and commanded by Brig. Gen. James M.
Kowalski. The provisional command was responsible for implementing the Secretary of the Air
Force's Program Action Directive and Programming Plan.
43 August 7, 2009 - Air Force Global Strike Command stood up and was tasked to oversee all of
the U.S. Air Force's long-range nuclear-capable bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile
forces in a ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The ceremony was officiated by the
Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, and attended by both Louisiana U.S.
Senators, the governor of Louisiana and about 1,000 Airmen and guests.
December 1, 2009 - The command assumed the U.S. Air Force's Minuteman III intercontinental
ballistic missile mission. With the assumption of 20th Air Force, the command gained three
missile wings: the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; the 341st Missile Wing at
Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; and the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., including 20th Air Force's
responsibility for all of the United States' 450 ICBMs. The 576th Flight Test Squadron at
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., as well as the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB,
Neb., also officially re-aligned under AFGSC. These units were previously part of Air Force
Space Command.
February 1, 2010 - The command assumed the U.S. Air Force's strategic long-range nuclearcapable B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress bomber missions. With the assumption of the 8th Air
Force mission, the command gained three bomb wings: the 509th at Whiteman AFB, Mo., the
5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., and the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La. These units
were previously part of Air Combat Command.
Command Emblem
The globe reflects the command's global capabilities and the golden wings represent the
dominance in the air and reflect our lineage to the Army Air Corps. The blue field alludes to the
sky, the primary domain of the Air Force. The star represents clarity of purpose to maintain
readiness and deter adversaries. The red disc symbolizes past and present Airmen who have
made individual sacrifices to achieve mission goals. The lightning flashes, symbolic of speed
and power, represent our war-fighting mission should deterrence fail, and remind us of our
lineage to Strategic Air Command.
44 U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet BARKSDALE INFORMATION "From Cotton Fields to Airfield"
Starting From Scratch
Emerging from the cotton fields of Northwestern Louisiana in the early 1930s, Barksdale Air
Force Base has grown into a major source of revenue and employment for the region.
Barksdale has proudly served the Ark-La-Tex ( Arkansas , Louisiana and Texas ) for more than
68 years. As a key Air Force Global Strike Command base, Barksdale has a pivotal role in
providing a large part of the nation's deterrent force.
Barksdale is home to the Air Force's newest command, Air Force Global Strike Command.
AFGSC was activitated August, 2009, and is responsible for the nation's three intercontinental
Balistic Missile Wings, two B-52 Stratofortress Wings and the only B-2 Spirit Wing.
The "Mighty Eighth" Air Force, of World War II fame, is headquartered at the base. Barksdale is
home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, 2nd Operations Group, 2nd Maintenance Group, 2nd Mission
Support Group, the 2nd Medical Group, Eighth Air Force Museum (which maintains the
historical aircraft and artifacts that grace the base) and the Air Force Reserve's 917th Wing.
Lieutenant Barksdale
Barksdale Air Force Base is named in honor of Lt. Eugene Hoy Barksdale, Air Corps, U.S.
Army, who lost his life Aug. 11, 1926 , while flight testing Doug las O-2 observation airplane
over McCook Field, in Dayton , Ohio .
Lieutenant Barksdale was born in Goshen Springs , Miss. , Nov. 5, 1897 . He attended
Mississippi State College, but left during his junior year to enter the officers' training camp at
Fort Logan H. Roots, Little Rock , Ark. He volunteered for aviation training a few weeks before
receiving his commission as a second lieutenant and enlisted in the aviation section of the U.S.
Army Signal Corps as a private first class.
After completing the ground school course at the School of Military Aeronautics in Austin ,
Texas , he embarked for England Sept. 18, 1917 , and received his flying training with the
Royal Flying Corps (RFC) at Oxford and several other aviation schools in England . He
45 accepted his commission May 26, 1918 , at Markse, Yorkshire , England .
Following completion of flying training, he was assigned to the 41st Squadron, RFC, in August
1918, and placed on active duty at the front as a pilot, participating in the Somme and Amiens
Offensives early in August 1918. He was wounded Sept. 2, 1918 , during the Cambrai
Offensive. While on duty with the RFC, he received official credit for destroying three enemy
aircraft through aerial combat. He also participated in the ground destruction of five other
enemy aircraft. He left the RFC on Oct. 15, 1918 , and was placed in the U.S. 25th Aero
Squadron until Dec. 24, 1918 .
After the war he became a test pilot and lost his life while flight testing a Douglas O-2
observation airplane. Lieutenant Barksdale attempted a bailout from a fast spin only to get his
parachute caught in and severed by the brace wires attached to the wings of the plane. The
lieutenant fell to his death.
Lieutenant Barksdale was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Barksdale History
The dedication of Barksdale Field Feb. 2, 1933 , marked the culmination of a concerted
community action. As early as 1924 the citizens of Shreveport became interested in hosting a
military flying field. In 1926 Shreveport citizens learned that the 3rd Attack Wing stationed at
Fort Crocket , Texas , would be enlarged by 500 percent and would require at least 20,000
acres to support aerial gunnery and a bombing range. In February 1928, a delegation of
prominent Shreveport citizens hired a young crop duster, an Air Corps captain named Harold
Ross Harris, to fly over the local area and find a suitable site for an airfield.
Captain Harris selected what he felt was an adequate location for a military airfield. It was a
sprawling section of cotton plantation near Bossier City , La. The site selection committee,
representing the wealthiest taxpayers in the city, unanimously agreed upon the Barksdale Field
location. A delegation of citizens traveled to Washington , D.C. , to personally present the
advantages of the proposed site to the War Department. Following the return of this delegation,
a special Army board visited Shreveport and reported the location met all requirements of the
Air Corps.
Shreveport was selected Dec. 5, 1928 . Beginning in 1931, construction of the world's largest
airfield at the time, 22,000 acres, introduced dramatic and significant changes to the cotton
plantation area. About 150 men and 350 mules were used to grade the new landing field. More
than 1,400 acres of cotton land were plowed under and planted in Bermuda grass. Today, the
base encompasses more than 22,000 acres - 20,000 acres of which are used for recreation
and as a game preserve.
On Oct. 31, 1932 , Barksdale Field's first combat organization, the 20th Pursuit Group, arrived
from Mather Field , Calif. At the time, the 20th had two pursuit squadrons, the 55th and the
77th. Five months later, on April 1, 1933 , the group activated a third pursuit squadron, the
79th. The group's mission was aerial training for the purpose of developing procedures and
techniques for engaging hostile aircraft. Boeing P-12s and later aircraft also served as
46 protection to vital industrial centers, airdromes and airborne attack bombardment aircraft.
By the time Barksdale Field held its formal dedication ceremony on Feb. 2, 1933 , the 20th
Pursuit Group's training program was in full operation. A crowd of 50,000 to 60,000 people,
including many distinguished civilian and military visitors from the Shreveport area and
Washington , D.C. , attended Barksdale Field's dedication ceremonies. Assistant Secretary of
War F. Trubee Davison served as the key note speaker and unveiled a large portrait of Lt.
Barksdale formally inaugurating the Army Air Corps' newest installation.
By the mid-1930s, Barksdale Field served as home to the 3rd Attack Wing with its two
subordinate combat groups, the 20th Pursuit Group and the 3rd Attack Group. Flying
everything from P-12s and P-26s to A-8 "Shrikes" and Doug las B-18 "Bolos," these units used
Barksdale's immense acreage on the East Reservation to hone their gunnery and bombing
skills. The 1940s at Barksdale saw the training of bomber crews instead of the pursuit and
fighter crews as in the previous decade. Between May 23 and 25, 1940, Barksdale Field was
host to the Army's "complete military maneuvers" simulating European combat operations.
Some 320 aircraft from throughout the Army Air Corps participated, as Maj. Gen. Dwight D.
Eisenhower watched. Gen. George C. Marshall, the U.S. Army chief of staff, also briefly visited
Barksdale Field during the latter stages of the maneuvers.
Among units trained at Barksdale Field was the famous 17th Bomb Group, which would be led
by Gen. Jimmy Doolittle during his daring raid on Tokyo . Barksdale also served as a bomber
training base for Free French and Nationalist Chinese aircrews. Aircraft used for training at the
base included Martin B-26 Marauders, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses and Boeing B-29
Superfortresses.
Barksdale then became headquarters for the Air Training Command from 1945 to 1949 and
began phasing out B-29 crew training.
Shortly after the U.S. Air Force became an independent branch of service, Barksdale Field was
renamed Barksdale Air Force Base Jan. 13, 1948 .
During 1949, Barksdale was the home of the first Air Force all-jet strategic
reconnaissance/bomber aircraft, the North American RB-45 Tornado and home to the Second
Air Force Headquarters, bringing Barksdale into the Strategic Air Command. The Boeing B-47
Stratojet bomber and Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter aerial tanker were assigned here during the
1950s under the 301st and 376th Bomb Wings. Following the transfer these two wings in 1957
and 1958 respectively, Barksdale was slated to receive Boeing's newest pair of strategic
aircraft: the B-52 Stratofortress and the KC-135 Stratotanker. The first B-52 arrived at
Barksdale Aug. 14, 1958 , and the first KC-135 arrived in mid-September the same year.
The renowned 2nd Bomb Wing transferred to Barksdale April 1, 1963 , from Hunter Field, Ga.
taking over the B-52 and KC-135 mission from the 4238th Strategic Wing. From 1965 and into
the 1970s, the 2nd Bomb Wing routinely deployed aircraft and personnel to Southeast Asia for
"Arc Light" (B-52) and "Young Tiger" (KC-135) missions in support of the war in Vietnam .
From 1972 through 1973 almost all of the wing's resources were deployed overseas for
47 operations over Vietnam . All aircraft and crews returned to Barksdale in January and October
of 1973.
Headquarters Second Air Force was inactivated Jan. 1, 1975 , and Headquarters Eighth Air
Force was installed on Barksdale after being located on Guam for five years in charge of
strategic operations for the Vietnam War.
Barksdale received the first operational KC-10A Extender aerial tanker March 17, 1981 . The
base's fleet of KC-135s and KC-10s remained familiar sights in the skies over northern
Louisiana through 1994, when Air Mobility Command consolidated its tanker fleet. Barksdale's
last KC-135 was placed in the Eighth Air Force Museum after its final flight in March, and the
last KC-10 departed in October.
Barksdale's Highlights
From 1972-1992, Barksdale hosted the annual Strategic Air Command Bombing and
Navigation Competition awards symposium. After spending weeks dropping bombs on ranges
throughout the United States and engaging in navigational competition, SAC's finest bomber
and tanker aircrews gathered here for the score posting and awards presentation, and to work
together to improve the training of SAC aircrews.
SAC's last Bombing and Navigation Competition was held in 1992; the first (and last) under Air
Combat Command, its successor, was held in 1994, featuring the best bomber aircrews in the
world.
In 1978 the Eighth Air Force Museum was established with the arrival of a B-17 Flying Fortress
of the type the "Mighty Eighth" flew during World War II. The museum has grown greatly over
the years, and today its collection includes the B-24, B-29, B-47, B-52D, B-52G, British Vulcan,
FB-111A, C-45, C-47, VC-64, KC-97, KC-135, P-51D, F-84F, MiG-21F, T-33 and SR-71A.
In April 1982, and again in December 1990, the space shuttle Columbia made a stop at
Barksdale on its way back to Cape Kennedy atop its Boeing 747 carrier.
Barksdale played significant roles in Operation Just Cause to restore democracy to Panama in
December 1989, Operation Desert Shield in August 1990 and Operation Desert Storm in
January 1991. The first combat sortie of Desert Storm was launched from Barksdale, when
seven B-52Gs flew a 35-hour mission - the longest combat sortie in history at that time - to fire
a barrage of conventional air-launched cruise missiles against Iraq . The B-52s from Barksdale
that were deployed to Spain dropped 10 percent of all U.S. Air Force bombs during the Persian
Gulf War.
The base turned its attention from combat to more peaceful pursuits when two B-52s, a KC-10
and their crews visited Dyagilevo Air Base, Russia , in March 1992. In May 1992 Barksdale
hosted a return visit by two Russian Tu-95 "Bear" bombers, an An-124 "Condor" transport and
58 Russian airmen. The Russians stayed for six days, seeing a slice of America and
participating in Strategic Air Command's final Bombing and Navigation Competition awards
symposium. The Russians visited again in August 1994, bringing a Tu-95 "Bear" and an I1-78
48 aerial tanker.
In April 1992, 265 buildings on Barkdale's main base were placed on the National Registry of
Historic Places. The area from the Shreveport Gate to the flightline and from the Bossier Gate
to Hoban Hall makes up the Barksdale Field Historic District.
Barksdale began a friendship with Ukrainian airmen later in 1994, when a B-52 and KC-10
visited Poltava Air Base, Ukraine .
Barksdale became the focus of attention once again in September 1996 as two of its B-52s
fired 13 conventional air-launched cruise missiles on surface-to-air missile sites and air
defense radars in Iraq . Dubbed Operation Desert Strike, the mission came in response to Iraqi
ruler Saddam Hussein's attacks on Kurds in northern Iraq and was the first combat
employment of the B-52H in history. In only a span of 80 hours, Barksdale B-52s and support
personnel deployed forward to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam , carried out the strike against
Iraqi targets and returned to Guam .
Fourteen months later, in November 1997, personnel and aircraft deployed from Barksdale to
the British island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean by order of the President. They joined
forces already in the region in response to a renewed bout of provocations and threats made
by Saddam Hussein. Remaining at Diego Garcia until June 1998, Barksdale's forces bolstered
the ability to defend the security of the region against possible aggression by Iraq and to
accomplish specific military objectives if a diplomatic solution to the confrontation could not be
achieved.
B-52s and personnel from Barksdale were again deployed to Diego Garcia in November 1998.
Seven bombers and about 180 people deployed in response to Iraq 's refusal to cooperate with
U.N. weapons inspectors. Despite President Clinton calling off strikes after Hussein's lastminute concessions to meet U.N. demands, Iraq 's cooperation continued to deteriorate. U.S.
military forces, including Barksdale's B-52s, launched a sustained series of air strikes against
Iraq shortly after midnight Dec. 17, 1998 . The three-day-long campaign, dubbed Operation
Desert Fox, followed the latest in a series of roadblocks by the Iraqi government against
weapons inspections conducted by the U.N. Special Commission.
From March to June 1999, Barksdale played a prominent role in halting the brutal Serb
expulsion of ethnic Albanians from Kosovo. Operating from RAF Fairord in the United Kingdom
, Barksdale B-52s flew over 180 combat sorties and released over 6,600 weapons against
military targets throughout the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during Operation Allied Force.
Immediately following the devastating terrorist attacks launched by the al-Qaeda terrorist
network against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001 , Barksdale provided a safe haven for
President George Bush on his return flight to the nation's capitol. Shortly thereafter, the
National Command Authority called upon the base to provide substantial forces to spearhead
the Global War on Terrorism. Operating from multiple overseas locations, Barksdale warriors
and B-52s, both active and reserve alike, played a key role in Operation Enduring Freedom,
which saw the elimination of the repressive Taliban regime of Afghanistan . The operation also
resulted in the destruction of the al-Qaeda leadership and training infrastructure that had
49 previously resided with impunity in that country.
In March 2003, time finally ran out for Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein whose regime had
continually defied the U.N. for almost 13 years. Returning yet again to the deadly skies of Iraq ,
Barksdale B-52s flew over 150 combat sorties against military targets throughout the southern
half of the country. In a lightning campaign dubbed Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. and
Coalition military forces ousted Saddam Hussein paving the way for democracy in Iraq .
Today, the men and women of Barksdale continue to serve at both home and abroad in
support of the Global War on Terrorism. Point of Contact
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DSN: 781-3065
Comm: (318) 456-3065 50

2012 Air Show press military kit

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