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Air Force makes history, pins first female four-star general

Janet Wolfenbarger will lead the Air Force Materiel Command, which is a key organization for current and future weapons systems. She promoted the Air Force's...

Federal News Network Staff

June 6, 2012 9:24 pm

1 min read

The Air Force pinned its first female four-star general Tuesday, putting Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger in charge of one of its key organization’s for current and future weapons systems.

Wolfenbarger took the reins of Air Force Materiel Command from Gen. Donald Hoffman, during a change of command ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

“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.”

Wolfenbarger came to the job from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, where she served as the military deputy for the past eight months, according to an Air Force statement.

“We honor Janet Wolfenbarger, an extraordinary public servant and a model Air Force officer,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz. “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.”

Hoffman is retiring after 42 years of service.

Click here to view video of command ceremony.

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