Goodwin assumes command of 2 BW

by Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

8/1/2014 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Col. Kristin Goodwin assumed command of the 2nd Bomb Wing during a change of command ceremony at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 1.

As the new 2nd BW commander, Goodwin is responsible for providing B-52H Stratofortress aircraft, aircrew, and associated support personnel and resources to conduct global bomber operational taskings.

Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, 8th Air Force commander, was the presiding officer.

"Make no mistake, Kristin knows Airpower. She has advocated long range combat airpower in many circles," said Vander Hamm. "There is no doubt the B-52 will see the results of those efforts in the coming years."

After accepting command, Col. Goodwin addressed the Airmen of the 2nd BW.

"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," Goodwin said. "I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be. I am excited to see the heights we will achieve as we continue to be, 'Second to none.'"

Col. Goodwin also expressed her commitment to the men and women of Team Barksdale.

"To Team Barksdale, I promise you will always be my top priority," Goodwin said. "I will have your back, and I know that you will have mine. So continue to bring your expertise, talents and enthusiasm to our mission."

This first of August signifies a historic day for the 2nd BW as Col. Goodwin becomes the first woman to command a bomb wing, and today marks the 20th anniversary of the wing's historic 47-hour nonstop flight around the world.