New commander takes helm of the 28th Bomb Wing

Photo By Senior Airman Donald Knechtel | Col. John R. Edwards assumes command of the 28th Bomb Wing during a change of command ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Aug. 9, 2017. As the commander, Edwards will be responsible for the largest B-1 combat wing in the U.S. Air Force, with 27 aircraft and more than 3,800 military and civilian members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel)  

SD, UNITED STATES

08.09.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Donald Knechtel 

28th Bomb Wing

Col. John R. Edwards assumed command of the 28th Bomb Wing from Col. Gentry W. Boswell, during a change of command ceremony in the Pride Hangar Aug. 9, 2017.

Maj. Gen Thomas Bussiere, the 8th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility.

“Selecting a commander for an organization as esteemed and storied as the 28th Bomb Wing is no simple task,” Bussiere said. “But rest assured, there is no more capable officer to lead the wing than Col. Edwards. He’s done it all; he excelled as an electronic warfare officer, he commanded a B-52 squadron, and has an educational resume that is second to none. He’s a phenomenal officer, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome Col. Edwards back into the 8th Air Force as the 28th Bomb Wing commander.”

Edwards earned his commission through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps in 1995. He is a master combat systems officer with more than 2,400 flight hours and 237 combat hours. His previous assignment was as commander of the 479th Flying Training Group at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida.

“Since being announced as the next commander of Ellsworth, I’ve heard nothing but how great this place is. Now that I’m here, I can see why,” Edwards said. “I am extremely humbled that I was selected for this post and will do my absolute best to care for our Airmen, their families and accomplish the mission. That is a promise.”

As commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, Edwards will be responsible for the largest B-1 combat wing in the U.S. Air Force, with 27 aircraft and more than 3,800 military and civilian members.

While Edwards takes the helm of Ellsworth, Boswell sets his sights on Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, where he will serve as the assistant director of operations at the Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters.

• Date Taken: 08.09.2017
• Date Posted: 08.09.2017 18:22
• Story ID: 244360
• Location: SD, US