28th Bomb Wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Col. David A. Doss took command of the 28th Bomb Wing, the largest B-1 combat wing in the Air Force, from Col. John Edwards during a change of command at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 30.


Maj. Gen. James Dawkins Jr., the 8th Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony.


“The choice of who would take command of the 28th Bomb Wing was not a light decision,” said Dawkins. “I know [Doss] well and we’ve worked together before, and I have total trust and confidence in his ability to build upon the great work [Edwards] has done here.”


Doss commissioned from the Virginia Military Institute in 1995. He is a master navigator and has successfully completed more than 2,500 flight hours, including 380 of those in combat.


Prior to his most recent arrival at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Doss served as the vice wing commander of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, home to the B-1 and C-130 Hercules. No stranger to the B-1 or to Ellsworth AFB, he was stationed at Ellsworth AFB with the 37th Bomb Squadron from 1998 to 2002.


“After nearly 17 years away, it’s great to call the 28th Bomb Wing and the Black Hills home again,” said Doss. “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve all of you. Each and every day I know – military and civilian alike – work hard to ensure team Ellsworth is ready to answer our nation’s call at a moment’s notice.”


In addition to Doss’ experience on the B-1, he has served multiple tours as a squadron weapons officer, director of operations, squadron commander and deputy operations group commander. He participated in operation Desert Fox, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.


As the 28th Bomb Wing and Ellsworth AFB commander, Doss will oversee a fleet of 27 B-1 Lancers and more than 3,700 Airmen and civilians.