Operations Group welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Col. James Dawkins Jr. assumed command of the 509th Operations Group from Col. Thomas Bussiere during an assumption of command ceremony here June 1. 

Col. John Robinson, 509th Bomb Wing vice commander, presided over the ceremony. 

As the new operations group commander Colonel Dawkins said his goals were to ensure that the 509th OG is ready to deliver combat power anywhere, anytime. 

"The 509th OG is fortunate enough to be allowed to recruit the best people from the Combat Air Forces, Mobility Air Forces, Air National Guard, Royal Air Force, and Air Education and Training Command," he said. "From these warriors come the bright ideas and innovative spirit that keeps the B-2 ready for combat. While the B-2 is a truly impressive weapons system, our true strength comes from these warriors. 

"In peacetime, our nation relies on this strength to deter our enemies," Colonel Dawkins added. "During war, this strength allows us to bring the full weight of our combat capability to bear on those that seek to do us harm." 

Colonel Bussiere is currently serving at Camp Victory, Iraq, as the Multi-National Forces Iraqi Command Group Assist Chief of Staff.