Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger became the first
female four-star general in the Air Force and assumed the top position of the
major command responsible for the technology, acquisition, test and sustainment
of the service’s current and future weapon systems during ceremonies.
Wolfenbarger took the reins of Air Force
Materiel Command from Gen. Donald Hoffman during a change of command held at
the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Prior to the change of
command, Wolfenbarger received her fourth star during a promotion ceremony.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton
Schwartz presided over the ceremony, during which he lauded AFMC’s excellence
in keeping Air Force weapon systems ready, available and effective, and
expressed his confidence that the command is in capable hands with
Wolfenbarger.
“We honor Janet Wolfenbarger, an
extraordinary public servant and a model Air Force officer,” Schwartz said.
“Based on her record, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and I are
entirely confident that she is up to the task of commanding this great
organization.”
Wolfenbarger thanked Schwartz and Donley
for their faith in her ability to lead AFMC and said she was looking forward to
once again being part of the AFMC team.
“This opportunity only really exists
because the Air Force has embraced a culture of diversity,” she said. “This
culture has been cultivated over many years, driven by leadership at every
level who acknowledge and appreciate the value of contributions from every
airman.
“I promise I will serve in my role as
AFMC commander with my absolute best effort,” Wolfenbarger continued. “What’s
more, I have total confidence in the men and women of this command. We will
always rise to the occasion and accomplish our difficult mission with
determination and enthusiasm.”
Schwartz also highlighted Hoffman’s
dedication to both AFMC’s mission and its workforce.
“Don, thank you for presiding over an
impressive effort here at AFMC,” Schwartz said. “During your tenure, AFMC
continued its longstanding excellence in research and development, test and
evaluation, acquisition management, and logistics support.
“During some of the most challenging and
turbulent times for our Air Force, General Hoffman has inspired mission
success,” he continued. “Don and Jacki, thank you for your combined service to
our Air Force, and for your very important contributions to our Nation’s
security.”
Hoffman said he would most miss the
quality of the people one finds in the Air Force, and the unquestioned level of
trust that airmen exude.
“When you meet someone in the Air Force,
you know they’ve taken an oath to defend the constitution and a pledge to live
by core values of integrity, service and excellence,” he said. “Thanks to all
of our airmen, it has been my good fortune to be part of the best Air Force in
the world. It was the best when I joined
it. It’s smaller now, its missions have
changed, but it’s still the best. And I
have total confidence that those who follow me will keep it the best Air Force
in the world.”
By Kim Dawley
Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
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