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First Air Force female four-star general confirmed

Posted 3/28/2012 Email story   Print story

    

3/28/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Senate confirmed Air Force Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger for promotion March 26, making her the first female four-star general in Air Force history.

Wolfenbarger currently serves as the military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition here and she is one of four female lieutenant generals in the Air Force.

"This is an historic occasion for the Air Force," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley. "General Wolfenbarger's 32 years of service, highlighted by extraordinary leadership and devotion to duty, make her exceptionally qualified for this senior position and to serve as the next commander of Air Force Materiel Command."

"I am honored to have been confirmed by the Senate for promotion to the rank of General and to serve as commander of Air Force Materiel Command. Until I take command of AFMC, I will continue to focus on the important Air Force acquisition work here at the Pentagon," said Wolfenbarger.

Wolfenbarger, a native of Beavercreek, Ohio, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1980 after graduating in the first class with female cadets at the Air Force Academy.

She also holds a graduate degree in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.

The general has held several positions in the F-22 System Program Office at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; served as the F-22 lead program element monitor at the Pentagon, and was the B-2 System program director for the Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB.

She commanded ASC's C-17 Systems Group, Mobility Systems Wing and was the service's director of the Air Force Acquisition Center of Excellence at the Pentagon, then served as director of the Headquarters AFMC Intelligence and Requirements Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB.  Prior to her current assignment, Wolfenbarger was the vice commander of Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB.

She has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

Wolfenbarger received her third star in December 2009 and became the Air Force's highest-ranking woman in January 2010.

Women currently make up 9.1 percent of the Air Force's general officer ranks. In addition to the 4 female lieutenant generals, there are 12 major generals and 11 brigadier generals.

"This is an exciting time that pays homage to the generations of female Airmen, whose dedication, commitment and sacrifice helped open the doors for General Wolfenbarger and other female Airmen who will follow," said Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz.

Gen. Wolfenbarger's change of command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is scheduled for June 5.

(Courtesy of the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs.)



tabComments
6/5/2012 6:55:34 PM ET
Congradulations General Wolfenbarger Thank You for serving. Linda Myers
Linda Myers, Dayton Ohio
 
5/23/2012 3:02:02 PM ET
she as done something i dreamed of doing forever which is become a four star general good lob keep it up yo
michael laughlin, coldspring tx
 
4/4/2012 5:20:03 PM ET
@Maj of course however that wasn't the point of my comments. As I wrote in my last two posts I believe Gen. Wolfenbarger is an outstanding senior leader and I fully expect she'll do well as the AFMC Commander.
Tell The Truth, U.S.
 
4/4/2012 7:52:12 AM ET
@tell the truth- there is no shortage of 4-stars who have not done such a stellar job at leading their organizations. Let's give Gen W. a chance and let history be the judge of her performance as the AFMC Commander.
Maj, staff
 
4/3/2012 10:32:57 AM ET
@theMayor there's no reason to resort to name calling. We can agree to disagree can't we I wasn't trying to be demeaning to the General and I apologize if I was. People promote people and my comments are more about them than her. PC influences were at play here and I don't think that's right because someone else was discriminated against. Again, I believe Gen. Wolfenbarger is an outstanding senior leader. However, I stand by my previous comment that her resume lacks broad experiences for a 4-Star General.
Tell The Truth, U.S.
 
4/2/2012 9:59:58 PM ET
@Tell the truth...you're a douche. I'm pretty sure she's earned every bit of those 4 stars...this is an article speaking of her accomplishment and you use it to criticize her resume...spend more time on your resume rather than tearing down others.
theMayor, South Dakota
 
3/30/2012 11:00:52 PM ET
Because acquisitions has had such a stellar track record for the last 10 years.
C.K., NM
 
3/30/2012 7:32:54 PM ET
@Paul thanks for weighing in on my comments. All of your comments lose credibility when you don't research your factual statements. After reading your claim that my estimate was way wrong and the AF has countless 4-star Generals in Joint positions I did research to support my memory. Yes a General is also known as an O-10 or 4-star General. Although the AF occasionally varies the numbers allowed by statute the 2011 AF Almanac indicated for active duty Airmen by rank there were 12 AF Generals 41 Lt Gens 104 Maj Gens ad 158 Brig Gens. The official AF Senior Leader Bio page indicates in addition to the CSAF and VCSAF 7 MAJCOMs have General officer commanders. while 3 MAJCOMs AFGSC AFRC and AFSOC have Lt General officer commanders. I think the actual number of AF Generals is currently 11. Please don't misunderstand me I think Gen Wolfenbarger is an outstanding senior leader that said I stand by my previous comment that her resume lacks broad experiences.
Tell The Truth, U.S.
 
3/30/2012 10:17:48 AM ET
@ Tell the Truth 8 or 9 total AF Generals I'm assuming you only mean 4-star Generals and even that is way wrong. You do realize that there is a 4-star in command of every MAJCOM plus our CSAF and countless others in joint positions. And the fact that her career record doesn't match others may be her best attribute. She is in charge of a very unique command unlike any others. It is nice to see the AF depart from the pilots can command anyone mentality. Acquisitions is a nasty business and you need experience to keep the USAF from make the stupid mistakes that have become very routine.
Paul, Hanscom
 
3/30/2012 9:20:52 AM ET
Congratulations to Gen Wolfenbarger. Her confirmation as one of eight or nine total AF Generals is truly impressive. Her career body of work doesn't reflect that of others who have preceded or currently serve with her at the 4-star level particularly in experiences. CSAF said it best an exciting time that pays homage to generations of female Airmen whose dedication commitment and sacrifice helped open the doors for her and other female Airmen who will follow.
Tell The Truth, U.S.
 
3/29/2012 4:06:12 PM ET
You keep paving the way for us Ma'am and we will most certainly follow This awesome news Congratulations
TSgt Kristy Brazell, Randolph AFB TX
 
3/29/2012 2:51:56 PM ET
Congratulations Gen. Wolfenbarger. What a great accomplishment and proud moment in AF history And how wonderful to be confirmed during Womens History Month as well. Proud to have served M. Randolph
M. Randolph, Virginia
 
3/29/2012 2:21:11 PM ET
Wow Those are some bold comments Lets take a step back and congratulate her for a job well done A four star general is not rewarded to someone who is undeserving. Congratulations general
Jade, ME
 
3/29/2012 9:15:23 AM ET
Congratulations Gen. Wolfenbarger glad to see an acquisitions officer leading our acquisitions command. You with Maj. Gen. Busch as your vice will make a great command team for Air Force Materiel Command.
Texas neighbor, MICO TX
 
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