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Twentieth Air Force welcomes first female commander

  • Published
  • By Glenn S. Robertson
  • Twentieth Air Force Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser assumed command of Twentieth Air Force from Maj. Gen. Michael Lutton during a change of command ceremony on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, Jan. 5, 2024.

As 20 AF commander, Huser will be responsible for more than 12,000 Airmen providing nuclear global strike and nuclear weapons sustainment for the U.S. Air Force. She is the 25th and first-ever female commander of the historic Twentieth Air Force.

“I am so incredibly honored to serve as the commander of Twentieth Air Force, where the teams here and across our wings are smart, hard-working, and most of all, passionate about what they do on behalf of our nation,” said Huser. “I am looking forward to working hand-in-hand in these exciting times with our many mission partners and community support networks to modernize our strategic deterrent.”

Huser commissioned through Officer Training School in 1996 and has extensive experience in space and missile operations. She has commanded the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; the 91st Missile Operations Group, Minot AFB, North Dakota; and the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB.

Coming to 20 AF from the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration, Huser previously served as the Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application. There, she assisted in maintaining the safety, security and reliability of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile.

Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, officiated the ceremony and recognized Huser as the perfect fit for the organization at this moment.

“Selecting commanders is one of the most important and toughest things we do in the Air Force,” said Bussiere. “We have to pick the right person at the right time for the organization, for the service and for our nation to lead, guide, mentor and develop those that serve.”

Lutton, who commanded 20 AF from July 2020 until this month, was the longest-serving commander in its history. Lutton has since promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and is now serving as the Deputy Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana.