America's first female B-52 squadron commander named at Barksdale

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Vanessa Wilcox became commander of the 96th Bomb Squadron, of the 2d Operations Group, during a change-of-command ceremony April 21, 2022.

This makes Lt. Col. Wilcox the first female B-52 squadron commander. 

Change-of-command ceremonies serve as the official transferring of command duties and responsibilities between the incoming and outgoing commander. 

Lt Col Wilcox is a B-52H Weapon Systems Officer with more than 1500 hours including multiple deployments to the Pacific. 

She most recently served as the Deputy Group Commander for the 2d Mission Support Group on the installation. 

Before that, she served as the Director of Operations for the 20th Bomb Squadron. 

 I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead this historic squadron,” said Lt. Col Willcox. 

She added: “I’m proud to serve alongside the men and women of the 96th BS to build upon a legacy left by so many great Airman over its 105 year tenure. – First to bomb!”

Caption for photo above: Lt Col. Vanessa Wilcox, incoming 96th Bomb Squadron commander, makes remarks during the 96th Bomb Squadron change of command ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, April 21, 2022. Wilcox is the first female B-52 squadron commander in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Sullivan)