First Female Bomb Wing Commander

Col. Kristin Goodwin took command of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., on Aug. 1 becoming the first woman to command an Air Force bomber wing, according to an Air Force Global Strike Command release. Goodwin is a command pilot with 2,725 hours in C-130 Compass Call, B-2 Spirit, and other aircraft. Goodwin, who previously served as vice commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo., is now responsible for providing B-52H Stratofortress aircraft, aircrew, and associated support personnel and resources to conduct global bomber operational tasking. Officiating at the Aug. 1 command change, Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, 8th Air Force commander, said: “Make no mistake, Kristin knows airpower. She has advocated long-range combat airpower in many circles. There is no doubt the B-52 will see the results of those efforts in coming years.” After assuming command, Goodwin told the assembled 2nd BW airmen: “I am honored to lead and be a part of this mission and to take command of one of the most historic bomb wings in the Air Force.” The command change came on the 20th anniversary of the 47-hour globe circling flight by two 2nd BW B-52s that were the first ever to drop bombs during a circumnavigation mission.