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Maj. Gen. Clark assumes command of 'Mighty Eighth'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Maj. Gen. Richard Clark assumed command of the 8th Air Force during a change of command ceremony at the Weapons Load Facility here, today.

As the new commander of the "Mighty Eighth," Clark is responsible for safeguarding America's interests through strategic deterrence and global combat power.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, was the presiding officer.

"I can't think of a better or more experienced commander to take the reins from General Vander Hamm and lead the 'Mighty Eighth' into the future," said Wilson. "As my vice commander he seized every opportunity to travel to [AFGSC] bases, embrace our bomber and missile culture and promote force improvement, and many others."

After accepting command, Clark addressed Airmen of the Mighty Eighth.

"I appreciate everyone being here today. This means the world to me and a dream come true," Clark said. "I have been able to watch the men and women of the 'Mighty Eighth' every day, and it is my greatest honor to be back at Eighth Air Force."

Clark also expressed his commitment to the men and women of Eighth Air Force and the bomber community.

"It's about the heritage we enjoy, the bombers we employ and the men and women of the 'Mighty Eighth.' I will be a great wingman to you just as it was shown to me as a young captain.  It is my honor and privilege to serve you and be your wingman, to make sure that you have everything you need to do this mission and follow the footsteps of our forefathers... Let's go make history."

Eighth Air Force reports to AFGSC, supports U.S. Joint Forces Command and is designated as U.S. Strategic Command's Task Force 204, providing on-alert, combat-ready forces to the president. Eighth Air Force controls long-range, nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit and B-52H Stratofortress bombers for conventional operations and nuclear deterrence.