Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward assumes duties as top Air Force safety officer Published Sept. 17, 2012 By Darlene Y. Cowsert Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward assumed the duties of Air Force Chief of Safety and commander of the Air Force Safety Center located here on Sept. 17. Reporting directly to the Air Force Chief of Staff, Woodward develops, executes and evaluates Air Force aviation, ground, weapons and space mishap prevention and nuclear surety programs. Woodward was previously the acting Director, Operational Planning, Policy and Strategy, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. Her career includes a variety of operational and staff positions, including command at the squadron, group, wing and numbered Air Force levels. A command pilot with more than 3,800 flights hours, she served as Commander of 17th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Africa and served as the Coalition Forces Air Component Commander for Operation Odyssey Dawn. "I'm privileged to have this opportunity to lead the Air Force community of safety professionals and to contribute to the essential mission of reducing mishaps and preserving combat capabilities," Woodward said. Woodward succeeds Maj. Gen. Greg Feest who retired Sept. 14.