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Carlson assumes command of AFMC

  • Published
  • By Kathleen A.K. Lopez
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) --  Gen. Bruce Carlson assumed command of Air Force Materiel Command from Gen. Gregory S. Martin on Aug. 19 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

General Carlson, who previously commanded the 8th Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., pinned on his fourth star in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends earlier in the morning. Immediately following the change of command, General Martin retired after 35 years of service.

"This is a pretty special day for a country boy from Minnesota," General Carlson said. "I had a lot of help along the way."

People to whom the general said he owed a special debt of gratitude included his mother, who taught him the value of love, his father, who taught him about leadership, his brother, his sister, his wife Vicki and their children. All were present at the ceremony, as well as other family members.

"I am excited to join such a vibrant community of military and civilian Airmen," General Carlson said. "I am eager to work with you to improve our core missions of technology, acquisition support and sustainment."

More than 600 people gathered in the museum's modern flight gallery, surrounded by static displays of the YF-22, B-52 Stratofortress and F-117A Nighthawk aircraft, as well as the MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Global Hawk UAV and Hell Fire Missiles. General Carlson's daughter-in-law, Catherine, sang the national anthem. The Air Force Band of Flight accompanied six of its vocalists, who sang renditions of the Air Force Hymn and the Air Force Song.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper, presiding officer, lauded both Generals Martin and Carlson and their families for their accomplishments. Also included in the Washington delegation were acting Secretary of the Air Force Pete Geren and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray.

"Today is a proud day for the Air Force Materiel Command; it's a proud day for our Air Force," General Jumper said. "It's an old saying that you can tell how important you are by who shows up at your going away and your major events. Based on this audience, I think we can be very proud of (General Martin) and Bruce."

General Jumper reflected upon his early days as Air Force chief of staff. He recalled the challenges of technology as well as development of the work force.

"AFMC has come probably a longer way in our journey of transformation than any other command," he said. "I remember when I first took over as chief, (retired Gen.) Les Lyles (General Martin's predecessor) came to see me and we laid out a path that challenged technology and efficiency in our centers and the way we led our technical workforce, both civilian and military. (General Martin) has taken that challenge and he has taken it to new heights. He's done an absolutely outstanding job of it."

General Jumper presented the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award to General Martin for Headquarters AFMC. The award not only recognized the headquarter for its outstanding leadership and support during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, but also for such contributions as a commandwide reorganization, program executive office restructuring and depot and business transformation.

Two other awards were presented before General Martin's retirement.

General Martin's wife, Wendy, stood by her husband's side as they both were presented with his own commander's award. The award, given in the past purely at General Martin's discretion to AFMC Airmen who especially excelled, was the headquarters' surprise "thank you" to the general for being such an outstanding leader. Mrs. Martin was also presented the Exceptional Service Award.

General Martin expressed his admiration for the people of AFMC.

"This has been the most satisfying and rewarding assignment of my career,” he said. "Ask yourselves if we are worthy to perform this mission," and then stepping away from the microphone, he yelled, "Yes!" (Courtesy of AFMC News Service)