loading...

The Air Force's oldest bomb wing, located in Bossier City, is now being commanded by its first ever female bomb wing commander.

Col. Kristen Goodwin is taking command of the 2nd Bomb Wing based out of Barksdale Air Force Base. Retired Master Sgt. and military archivist at LSUS Shawn Bohannon says first and foremost, it's about a qualified officer getting a well-earned promotion.

Holding a wing command in the Air Force is one of the best jobs an officer can hope to have.

"She is a highly skilled and highly trained professional, and she has earned this promotion through merit," Bohannon said.

The Air Force began training its first female pilots in 1976, and began training its first female fighter pilots in 1993. Bohannon says those first graduates are beginning to move into upper level commands.

"The Air Force has a history of allowing women into flying positions, starting in the 1970s," Bohannon said. "We're starting to see the fruition of the 1970s graduates."

Goodwin is now commanding the dozen squadrons that make up the 2nd Bomb Wing. Bohannon says it's one of the best jobs in the Air Force.

"Over the years, I have worked with many Wing Commanders, and many of them were all fond of saying that holding a wing command in the Air Force is one of the best jobs an officer can hope to have," Bohannon said.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL