Brigadier General Thomas A. Bussiere Assumes Command of Whiteman Air Force Base

Whiteman Air Force Base held a change of command ceremony on Monday, June 18 at the A-10 5-bay Hangar, where Brigadier General Scott Vander Hamm announced he would be leaving for Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, and a familiar face would resume command.  Brigadier General Thomas A. Bussiere officially took command of the base during the ceremony. This is his fourth time getting assigned to Whiteman in some capacity.

Major General Stephen Wilson, Commander of the 8th Air Force,  officiated the changing of the guard.   Wilson took the time to recognize Vander Hamm's accomplishments including the direction of the B-2 Stealth Bomber fleet to bomb Libya, destroying the country's air force and shelters.

"I want to personally thank the local communities for the support they gave Team Whiteman during my command here," Vander Hamm said.  "The relationships we foster with the surrounding communities and our neighbors are invaluable.  It has been an honor for Joanna and I to work so closely with so many, building relationships here that will last a lifetime."

Brig. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm's next assignment is to assume the role of Director of Plans, Programs, Requirements and Assessments for Headquarters Air Education and Training Command at Joint Base San Antonio, TX.

Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere said he is impressed with the changes that have occurred since he first arrived in 1996, and is pleased to see the integration of the various units that are now at Whiteman.  He looks forward to rekindling the relationships he formed when he first came to Whiteman and looks forward to new challenges that are forthcoming.