7th Bomb Wing receives new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kia Atkins
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affaris
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  
Col. David Benson assumed command of the 7th Bomb Wing from Col. Michael Bob Starr during a ceremony held here October 29.

As commander, Benson is responsible for the health and welfare of more than 12,000 active duty members, civilian employees and family members. In addition, he provides combat-ready B-1 aircraft, crews and associated combat support for global engagement taskings.

Benson received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy and began his career in the Air Force as a B-1B Lancer pilot. He later transitioned to T-38 instructor pilot before piloting the B-2 Spirit. Prior to being selected 7th BW commander, Benson held the position of the 509th Operations Group commander at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

Maj. Gen. Richard Clark, 8th Air Force commander, presided over the change of ceremony and shared words about Benson's career.

"Throughout your career, you have proven that you are in the top echelon of Air Force officers, and Dyess hit a Grand Slam when you were announced as the next wing commander," Clark said. "Time and time again you have demonstrated extraordinary leadership from your early days as an instructor pilot and weapons officer to your command of the 325th Weapons Squadron and to your most recent tour as the 509th OG commander."

Clark went on to talk about Benson's accomplishments as the 509th OG commander.

"During your command the men and women of the 509th OG deployed around the globe, to include Guam, Diego Garcia, the United Kingdom on missions to deter aggression and reassure our allies that we are ready and we are here," Clark said. "Today we present you with your next opportunity: to lead the men and women of the 7th BW. They deserve the best, and that is why we selected you."

Benson, who was stationed at Dyess from 1994-1997, said he was thrilled to come back to Dyess, get back into the B-1 and be a part of the Abilene community again.

"The B-1 has gained a lot of capabilities since I left it back in '97, and I am excited to see those capabilities and to help those capabilities grow, but I am really excited to be a part of this legendary Dyess-Abilene relationship," Benson said.

I'm happy to go out and be a part of the community and also to get my family out into the community as well, he continued. The relationship that you all have here is known throughout the Air Force, and I am eager to be a part of it.

Through an extensive and successful Air Force career, Benson has not lost sight of what is important: people.

"My job is to learn who they are, what they do and how I can make the mission better, their lives better and also their families lives better," he said. "I am excited to be a part of the Dyess team and to help everyone excel to be the best that they can be as an Airman and as a person."