Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
Encyclopedia
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force (acronym: CSAF, or AF/CC) is a statutory office held by a four-star general in the United States Air Force
, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Air Force, and as such is the principal military advisor and a deputy to the Secretary of the Air Force
; and is in a separate capacity a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
, and thereby a military advisor to the National Security Council
, the Secretary of Defense
, and the President
. The Chief of Staff is typically the highest ranking officer on active-duty in the U.S. Air Force unless the Chairman
and/or the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
are Air Force officers.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force is an administrative position based in the Pentagon
, and while the Chief of Staff do not have operational command authority over Air Force forces proper (that is within the purview of the Combatant Commanders
who reports to the Secretary of Defense), the Chief of Staff does exercise supervision of Air Force units and organizations as the designee of the Secretary of the Air Force.
The current Chief of Staff of the Air Force is General Norton A. Schwartz
.
, the Chief of Staff presides over the Air Staff, acts the Secretary's executive agent in carrying out approved plans, and exercises supervision, consistent with authority assigned to Commanders of the Combatant Commands, over organizations and members of the Air Force as determined by the Secretary. The Chief of Staff may also perform other duties as assigned by either the President
, the Secretary of Defense
or the Secretary of the Air Force.
The Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force
, also a four star general, is the Chief of Staff's principal deputy.
as prescribed by . When performing his JCS duties the Chief of Staff is responsible directly to the Secretary of Defense. Like the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the CSAF is an administrative position, with no operational command authority over the United States Air Force.
and must be confirmed via majority vote by the Senate
. By statute, the CSAF is appointed as a four-star general
.
was designated first Chief of the Army Air Forces
and Commanding General of the Army Air Forces during World War II
.
* : Three former chiefs of staff would later serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
:
McPeak is the only Chief of Staff of the Air Force to date having served as Acting Secretary of the Air Force
(from July 14, to 1993 August 5, 1993 before Sheila Widnall took office as Secretary,) thus being the only uniformed air force officer to have truly been the "head of the air force".
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Air Force, and as such is the principal military advisor and a deputy to the Secretary of the Air Force
United States Secretary of the Air Force
The Secretary of the Air Force is the Head of the Department of the Air Force, a component organization within the Department of Defense of the United States of America. The Secretary of the Air Force is appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate...
; and is in a separate capacity a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
, and thereby a military advisor to the National Security Council
United States National Security Council
The White House National Security Council in the United States is the principal forum used by the President of the United States for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and Cabinet officials and is part of the Executive Office of the...
, the Secretary of Defense
United States Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense is the head and chief executive officer of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. This position corresponds to what is generally known as a Defense Minister in other countries...
, and the President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
. The Chief of Staff is typically the highest ranking officer on active-duty in the U.S. Air Force unless the Chairman
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
and/or the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the second highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces ranking just below the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...
are Air Force officers.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force is an administrative position based in the Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
, and while the Chief of Staff do not have operational command authority over Air Force forces proper (that is within the purview of the Combatant Commanders
Unified Combatant Command
A Unified Combatant Command is a United States Department of Defense command that is composed of forces from at least two Military Departments and has a broad and continuing mission. These commands are established to provide effective command and control of U.S. military forces, regardless of...
who reports to the Secretary of Defense), the Chief of Staff does exercise supervision of Air Force units and organizations as the designee of the Secretary of the Air Force.
The current Chief of Staff of the Air Force is General Norton A. Schwartz
Norton A. Schwartz
Norton Allan Schwartz is a United States Air Force general who is serving as the 19th Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He previously served as Commander, United States Transportation Command from September 2005 to August 2008...
.
Department of the Air Force
Under the authority, direction and control of the Secretary of the Air ForceUnited States Secretary of the Air Force
The Secretary of the Air Force is the Head of the Department of the Air Force, a component organization within the Department of Defense of the United States of America. The Secretary of the Air Force is appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate...
, the Chief of Staff presides over the Air Staff, acts the Secretary's executive agent in carrying out approved plans, and exercises supervision, consistent with authority assigned to Commanders of the Combatant Commands, over organizations and members of the Air Force as determined by the Secretary. The Chief of Staff may also perform other duties as assigned by either the President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
, the Secretary of Defense
United States Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense is the head and chief executive officer of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. This position corresponds to what is generally known as a Defense Minister in other countries...
or the Secretary of the Air Force.
The Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force
Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
The Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force is the second highest ranking military officer in the United States Air Force. In the event that the Chief of Staff of the Air Force is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCSAF assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CSAF...
, also a four star general, is the Chief of Staff's principal deputy.
Member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force is a member of the Joint Chiefs of StaffJoint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
as prescribed by . When performing his JCS duties the Chief of Staff is responsible directly to the Secretary of Defense. Like the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the CSAF is an administrative position, with no operational command authority over the United States Air Force.
Appointment and Rank
The CSAF is nominated for appointment by the PresidentPresident of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
and must be confirmed via majority vote by the Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
. By statute, the CSAF is appointed as a four-star general
General (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an...
.
Special Uniform Cap
The Chief of Staff is also authorized to wear a special service cap with clouds and lightning bolts around the band of the hat. This cap is different from those worn by other general officers of the Air Force and it is for use by the Chief of Staff and Air Force officers serving as Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Chronological list of Chiefs of Staff of the Air Force 1947-
Prior to the creation of this position, General Henry H. ArnoldHenry H. Arnold
Henry Harley "Hap" Arnold was an American general officer holding the grades of General of the Army and later General of the Air Force. Arnold was an aviation pioneer, Chief of the Air Corps , Commanding General of the U.S...
was designated first Chief of the Army Air Forces
United States Army Air Forces
The United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....
and Commanding General of the Army Air Forces during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
| No. | Image | Name | Term of Office | Primary Background | Secretaries served under: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Began | Ended | Days of Service | Air Force United States Secretary of the Air Force The Secretary of the Air Force is the Head of the Department of the Air Force, a component organization within the Department of Defense of the United States of America. The Secretary of the Air Force is appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate... |
Defense United States Secretary of Defense The Secretary of Defense is the head and chief executive officer of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. This position corresponds to what is generally known as a Defense Minister in other countries... |
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| 1 |  |
Carl A. Spaatz Carl Spaatz Carl Andrew "Tooey" Spaatz GBE was an American World War II general and the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. He was of German descent.-Early life:... |
September 26, 1947 | April 29, 1948 | Fighters | Stuart Symington Stuart Symington William Stuart Symington was a businessman and political figure from Missouri. He served as the first Secretary of the Air Force from 1947 to 1950 and was a Democratic United States Senator from Missouri from 1953 to 1976.-Education and business career:... |
James Forrestal James Forrestal James Vincent Forrestal was the last Cabinet-level United States Secretary of the Navy and the first United States Secretary of Defense.... |
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| 2 | Hoyt S. Vandenberg Hoyt Vandenberg Hoyt Sanford Vandenberg was a U.S. Air Force general, its second Chief of Staff, and second Director of Central Intelligence.... |
April 30, 1948 | June 29, 1953 | Attack and Fighters | Stuart Symington Stuart Symington William Stuart Symington was a businessman and political figure from Missouri. He served as the first Secretary of the Air Force from 1947 to 1950 and was a Democratic United States Senator from Missouri from 1953 to 1976.-Education and business career:... Thomas K. Finletter Thomas K. Finletter Thomas Knight Finletter , was an American lawyer, politician, and statesman.-Biography:Finletter was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Thomas Dickson Finletter and Helen Grill Finletter... Harold E. Talbott Harold E. Talbott Harold Elstner Talbott, Jr. was the third United States Secretary of the Air Force.-Biography:He was born in Dayton, Ohio, in March 1888 and died in 1957... |
James Forrestal James Forrestal James Vincent Forrestal was the last Cabinet-level United States Secretary of the Navy and the first United States Secretary of Defense.... Louis A. Johnson Louis A. Johnson Louis Arthur Johnson was the second United States Secretary of Defense, serving in the cabinet of President Harry S. Truman from March 28, 1949 to September 19, 1950.... George C. Marshall Robert A. Lovett Robert A. Lovett Robert Abercrombie Lovett was the fourth United States Secretary of Defense, serving in the cabinet of President Harry S. Truman from 1951 to 1953 and in this capacity, directed the Korean War. Promoted to the position from deputy secretary of defense Domhoff described Lovett as a "Cold War... Charles E. Wilson Charles E. Wilson Charles Edward Wilson was a CEO of General Electric. He left school at age 12 to work as a stock boy at Sprague Electrical Works, which was acquired by General Electric, taking night classes and working up to president in 1939.During World War II he served on the War Production Board as executive... |
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| 3 |  |
Nathan F. Twining Nathan Farragut Twining Nathan Farragut Twining, KBE was a United States Air Force General, born in Monroe, Wisconsin. He was Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from 1953 until 1957... * |
June 30, 1953 | June 30, 1957 | Fighters and Bombers | Harold E. Talbott Harold E. Talbott Harold Elstner Talbott, Jr. was the third United States Secretary of the Air Force.-Biography:He was born in Dayton, Ohio, in March 1888 and died in 1957... Donald A. Quarles Donald A. Quarles Donald Aubrey Quarles was a communications engineer, senior level executive with Bell Telephone Laboratories and Western Electric, and a top official in the United States Department of Defense during the Eisenhower Administration... James H. Douglas, Jr. James H. Douglas, Jr. James Henderson Douglas, Jr. was a lawyer and senior-level official in the United States Government. He was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, serving under both President Herbert Hoover and President Franklin Roosevelt... |
Charles E. Wilson Charles E. Wilson Charles Edward Wilson was a CEO of General Electric. He left school at age 12 to work as a stock boy at Sprague Electrical Works, which was acquired by General Electric, taking night classes and working up to president in 1939.During World War II he served on the War Production Board as executive... |
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| 4 |  |
Thomas D. White Thomas D. White General Thomas Dresser White was the fourth Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.White was born in Walker, Minnesota, in 1901... |
July 1, 1957 | June 30, 1961 | Staff | James H. Douglas, Jr. James H. Douglas, Jr. James Henderson Douglas, Jr. was a lawyer and senior-level official in the United States Government. He was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, serving under both President Herbert Hoover and President Franklin Roosevelt... Dudley C. Sharp Dudley C. Sharp Dudley Crawford Sharp was Secretary of the Air Force from December 11, 1959 until January 20, 1961, under president Dwight D. Eisenhower.-Biography:... Eugene M. Zuckert Eugene M. Zuckert Eugene Martin Zuckert was the seventh Secretary of the Air Force from January 23, 1961 to September 30, 1965. During his service as secretary, he witnessed the shifting of decision-making powers from the military departments to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, a process that continued... |
Charles E. Wilson Charles E. Wilson Charles Edward Wilson was a CEO of General Electric. He left school at age 12 to work as a stock boy at Sprague Electrical Works, which was acquired by General Electric, taking night classes and working up to president in 1939.During World War II he served on the War Production Board as executive... Neil H. McElroy Neil H. McElroy Neil Hosler McElroy was United States Secretary of Defense from 1957 to 1959 under President Eisenhower. He had been president of Procter & Gamble.- Early life :... Thomas S. Gates Robert S. McNamara |
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| 5 | .jpg) |
Curtis E. LeMay Curtis LeMay Curtis Emerson LeMay was a general in the United States Air Force and the vice presidential running mate of American Independent Party candidate George Wallace in 1968.... |
June 30, 1961 | January 31, 1965 | Bombers | Eugene M. Zuckert Eugene M. Zuckert Eugene Martin Zuckert was the seventh Secretary of the Air Force from January 23, 1961 to September 30, 1965. During his service as secretary, he witnessed the shifting of decision-making powers from the military departments to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, a process that continued... |
Robert S. McNamara | |
| 6 |  |
John P. McConnell John P. McConnell General John Paul McConnell was the sixth Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. As chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, General McConnell served in a dual capacity... |
February 1, 1965 | July 31, 1969 | Fighters | Eugene M. Zuckert Eugene M. Zuckert Eugene Martin Zuckert was the seventh Secretary of the Air Force from January 23, 1961 to September 30, 1965. During his service as secretary, he witnessed the shifting of decision-making powers from the military departments to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, a process that continued... Harold Brown Harold Brown (Secretary of Defense) Harold Brown , American scientist, was U.S. Secretary of Defense from 1977 to 1981 in the cabinet of President Jimmy Carter. He had previously served in the Lyndon Johnson administration as Director of Defense Research and Engineering and Secretary of the Air Force.While Secretary of Defense, he... Robert C. Seamans, Jr. |
Robert S. McNamara Clark M. Clifford Melvin R. Laird Melvin R. Laird Melvin Robert Laird is an American politician and writer. Laird was a Republican congressman who also served as Richard Nixon's Secretary of Defense from 1969 to 1973. Laird urged Nixon to maintain a policy of withdrawing US soldiers from Vietnam... |
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| 7 |  |
John D. Ryan John Dale Ryan General John Dale Ryan was the seventh Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. As chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, General Ryan served in a dual capacity... |
August 1, 1969 | July 31, 1973 | Bombers | Robert C. Seamans, Jr. John L. McLucas John L. McLucas John Luther McLucas was United States Secretary of the Air Force from 1973 to 1975, becoming Secretary of the Air Force on July 19, 1973. He had been Acting Secretary of the Air Force since May 15, 1973, and Under Secretary of the Air Force since March 1969... |
Melvin R. Laird Melvin R. Laird Melvin Robert Laird is an American politician and writer. Laird was a Republican congressman who also served as Richard Nixon's Secretary of Defense from 1969 to 1973. Laird urged Nixon to maintain a policy of withdrawing US soldiers from Vietnam... Elliot Richardson Elliot Richardson Elliot Lee Richardson was an American lawyer and politician who was a member of the cabinet of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. As U.S... James R. Schlesinger James R. Schlesinger Dr. James Rodney Schlesinger is an American politician. He is best known for serving as Secretary of Defense from 1973 to 1975 under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford... |
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| 8 |  |
George S. Brown* | August 1, 1973 | June 30, 1974 | Bombers | John L. McLucas John L. McLucas John Luther McLucas was United States Secretary of the Air Force from 1973 to 1975, becoming Secretary of the Air Force on July 19, 1973. He had been Acting Secretary of the Air Force since May 15, 1973, and Under Secretary of the Air Force since March 1969... |
James R. Schlesinger James R. Schlesinger Dr. James Rodney Schlesinger is an American politician. He is best known for serving as Secretary of Defense from 1973 to 1975 under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford... |
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| 9 |  |
David C. Jones David Charles Jones David Charles Jones is a retired U.S. Air Force general and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Jones was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota and raised in Minot, North Dakota, where he graduated from Minot High School.... * |
July 1, 1974 | June 20, 1978 | Bombers | John L. McLucas John L. McLucas John Luther McLucas was United States Secretary of the Air Force from 1973 to 1975, becoming Secretary of the Air Force on July 19, 1973. He had been Acting Secretary of the Air Force since May 15, 1973, and Under Secretary of the Air Force since March 1969... Thomas C. Reed Thomas C. Reed Thomas Care Reed was the 11th Secretary of the Air Force from January 2, 1976 - April 6, 1977 under Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.-Early life:... John C. Stetson |
James R. Schlesinger James R. Schlesinger Dr. James Rodney Schlesinger is an American politician. He is best known for serving as Secretary of Defense from 1973 to 1975 under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford... Donald H. Rumsfeld Harold Brown Harold Brown (Secretary of Defense) Harold Brown , American scientist, was U.S. Secretary of Defense from 1977 to 1981 in the cabinet of President Jimmy Carter. He had previously served in the Lyndon Johnson administration as Director of Defense Research and Engineering and Secretary of the Air Force.While Secretary of Defense, he... |
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| 10 |  |
Lew Allen Jr. Lew Allen Lew Allen, Jr. was a United States Air Force four-star General who served as the tenth Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force... |
July 1, 1978 | June 30, 1982 | Bombers | John C. Stetson Hans Mark Hans Mark Hans Michael Mark is a former Secretary of the Air Force and a former Deputy Administrator of NASA. He is an expert and consultant in aerospace design and national defense policy... Verne Orr Verne Orr Verne Orr was the 14th Secretary of the Air Force, appointed by President Ronald Reagan. From California, he was a businessman and educator who served in both state and national government positions.-Early life:Verne Orr was born on November 12, 1916 in Des Moines, Iowa... |
Harold Brown Harold Brown (Secretary of Defense) Harold Brown , American scientist, was U.S. Secretary of Defense from 1977 to 1981 in the cabinet of President Jimmy Carter. He had previously served in the Lyndon Johnson administration as Director of Defense Research and Engineering and Secretary of the Air Force.While Secretary of Defense, he... Caspar Weinberger Caspar Weinberger Caspar Willard "Cap" Weinberger , was an American politician, vice president and general counsel of Bechtel Corporation, and Secretary of Defense under President Ronald Reagan from January 21, 1981, until November 23, 1987, making him the third longest-serving defense secretary to date, after... |
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| 11 |  |
Charles A. Gabriel Charles A. Gabriel General Charles Alvin Gabriel was the 11th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. As chief of staff of the U. S. Air Force, General Gabriel served in a dual capacity... |
July 1, 1982 | June 30, 1986 | Fighters | Verne Orr Verne Orr Verne Orr was the 14th Secretary of the Air Force, appointed by President Ronald Reagan. From California, he was a businessman and educator who served in both state and national government positions.-Early life:Verne Orr was born on November 12, 1916 in Des Moines, Iowa... Russell A. Rourke Russell A. Rourke Russell A. Rourke was a lawyer and public official. He served in key staff positions on Capital Hill and in senior executive positions within the Federal Government... Edward C. Aldridge Jr. Edward C. Aldridge Jr. Edward "Pete" Cleveland Aldridge Jr. has served in many top U.S. Defense Department and defense industry jobs, including as Under Secretary of the Air Force from 1981–1986, Director of the National Reconnaissance Office 1981-1988, and as the Secretary of the Air Force from 1986-1988... |
Caspar Weinberger Caspar Weinberger Caspar Willard "Cap" Weinberger , was an American politician, vice president and general counsel of Bechtel Corporation, and Secretary of Defense under President Ronald Reagan from January 21, 1981, until November 23, 1987, making him the third longest-serving defense secretary to date, after... |
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| 12 |  |
Larry D. Welch Larry D. Welch General Larry D. Welch was the 12th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. As chief, he served as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipage of a combined active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian force serving at locations in the United... |
July 1, 1986 | June 30, 1990 | Fighters | Edward C. Aldridge Jr. Edward C. Aldridge Jr. Edward "Pete" Cleveland Aldridge Jr. has served in many top U.S. Defense Department and defense industry jobs, including as Under Secretary of the Air Force from 1981–1986, Director of the National Reconnaissance Office 1981-1988, and as the Secretary of the Air Force from 1986-1988... Donald B. Rice |
Caspar Weinberger Caspar Weinberger Caspar Willard "Cap" Weinberger , was an American politician, vice president and general counsel of Bechtel Corporation, and Secretary of Defense under President Ronald Reagan from January 21, 1981, until November 23, 1987, making him the third longest-serving defense secretary to date, after... Frank Carlucci Frank Carlucci Frank Charles Carlucci III is a former official in the United States Government, associated with the Republican Party. The most prominent office held by Carlucci was as Secretary of Defense from 1987 until 1989 in the Reagan Administration.-Early life and career:Carlucci was born in Scranton,... Dick Cheney Dick Cheney Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States , under George W. Bush.... |
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| 13 |  |
Michael J. Dugan | July 1, 1990 | September 17, 1990 | Fighters | Donald B. Rice | Dick Cheney Dick Cheney Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States , under George W. Bush.... |
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| Acting |  |
John M. Loh John M. Loh John Michael Loh is a retired four-star general in the United States Air Force who last served as Commander, Air Combat Command from June 1992 to July 1995... |
September 18, 1990 | October 29, 1990 | Fighters | |||
| 14 |  |
Merrill A. McPeak Merrill A. McPeak Merrill Anthony "Tony" McPeak was the 14th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. He retired from the service on November 1, 1994.-Education:McPeak was born in Santa Rosa, California... |
October 30, 1990 | October 25, 1994 | Fighters | Donald B. Rice Sheila E. Widnall Sheila E. Widnall Sheila Marie Evans Widnall is an American aerospace researcher and Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She served as United States Secretary of the Air Force between 1993 and 1997, making her the first female Secretary of the Air Force and first woman to lead an... |
Dick Cheney Dick Cheney Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States , under George W. Bush.... Les Aspin Les Aspin Leslie "Les" Aspin, Jr. was a United States Representative from 1971 to 1993, and the United States Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton from January 21, 1993 to February 3, 1994.-Early life:... William J. Perry |
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| 15 |  |
Ronald R. Fogleman | October 26, 1994 | September 1, 1997 | Fighters | Sheila E. Widnall Sheila E. Widnall Sheila Marie Evans Widnall is an American aerospace researcher and Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She served as United States Secretary of the Air Force between 1993 and 1997, making her the first female Secretary of the Air Force and first woman to lead an... |
William J. Perry William S. Cohen |
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| Acting | Ralph E. Eberhart | September 2, 1997 | October 5, 1997 | Fighters | William S. Cohen | |||
| 16 |  |
Michael E. Ryan Michael E. Ryan Michael E. Ryan is a retired United States Air Force general and was the 16th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. He served as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipage of 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces... |
October 6, 1997 | September 5, 2001 | Fighters | Sheila E. Widnall Sheila E. Widnall Sheila Marie Evans Widnall is an American aerospace researcher and Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She served as United States Secretary of the Air Force between 1993 and 1997, making her the first female Secretary of the Air Force and first woman to lead an... F. Whitten Peters James G. Roche James G. Roche Dr. James G. Roche was the 20th Secretary of the Air Force, serving from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2005. Prior to serving as secretary, Roche served in the United States Navy for 23 years, and as an executive with Northrop Grumman.... |
William S. Cohen Donald H. Rumsfeld |
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| 17 |  |
John P. Jumper John P. Jumper John P. Jumper is a retired United States Air Force general, who served as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from September 6, 2001 to September 2, 2005. He retired from the Air Force on November 1, 2005. Jumper was succeeded as Chief of Staff by General T. Michael... |
September 6, 2001 | September 2, 2005 | Fighters | James G. Roche James G. Roche Dr. James G. Roche was the 20th Secretary of the Air Force, serving from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2005. Prior to serving as secretary, Roche served in the United States Navy for 23 years, and as an executive with Northrop Grumman.... |
Donald H. Rumsfeld | |
| 18 |  |
T. Michael Moseley T. Michael Moseley Teed Michael Moseley, , is a retired United States Air Force General who served as the 18th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force... |
September 2, 2005 | July 12, 2008 | Fighters | Michael Wynne Michael Wynne Michael W. Wynne is an American business executive and was the 21st United States Secretary of the Air Force. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates asked for and received his resignation Michael W. Wynne (born September 4, 1944) is an American business executive and was the 21st United States... |
Donald H. Rumsfeld Robert M. Gates |
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| Acting | Duncan J. McNabb | July 12, 2008 | August 12, 2008 | Airlift | Michael B. Donley Michael B. Donley Michael Bruce Donley is the 22nd Secretary of the United States Air Force. Donley has 30 years of experience in the national security community, including service on the staff of the United States Senate, White House and The Pentagon... |
Robert M. Gates | ||
| 19 |  |
Norton A. Schwartz Norton A. Schwartz Norton Allan Schwartz is a United States Air Force general who is serving as the 19th Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He previously served as Commander, United States Transportation Command from September 2005 to August 2008... |
August 12, 2008 | Incumbent | Airlift | Michael B. Donley Michael B. Donley Michael Bruce Donley is the 22nd Secretary of the United States Air Force. Donley has 30 years of experience in the national security community, including service on the staff of the United States Senate, White House and The Pentagon... |
Robert M. Gates Leon Panetta Leon Panetta Leon Edward Panetta is the 23rd and current United States Secretary of Defense, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama since 2011. Prior to taking office, he served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency... |
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
:
- Twining served as the Chairman from August 1957 to September 1960.
- Brown served as the Chairman from July 1974 to June 1978.
- Jones served as the Chairman from June 1978 to June 1982.
- The forth air force officer to have served as the Chairman, General Richard B. Myers, did not serve as Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
McPeak is the only Chief of Staff of the Air Force to date having served as Acting Secretary of the Air Force
United States Secretary of the Air Force
The Secretary of the Air Force is the Head of the Department of the Air Force, a component organization within the Department of Defense of the United States of America. The Secretary of the Air Force is appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate...
(from July 14, to 1993 August 5, 1993 before Sheila Widnall took office as Secretary,) thus being the only uniformed air force officer to have truly been the "head of the air force".