List of United States Air Force four-star generals

Home Page | List of United States Air Force four-star generals

The rank of general (or full general, or four-star general) is the highest rank normally achievable in the United States Air Force. It ranks above lieutenant general (three-star general) and below general of the Air Force (five-star general).

There have been 242 four-star generals in the history of the U.S. Air Force. Of these, 238 achieved that rank while on active duty, three were promoted after retirement, and one was promoted posthumously. Generals entered the Air Force via several paths: 63 were commissioned via the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), 49 via the aviation cadet program, 48 via the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), 46 via Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at a civilian university, 14 via AFROTC at a senior military college, 10 via Air Force Officer Training School (OTS), four via the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), four via Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at a civilian university, two via direct commission (direct), one via direct commission inter-service transfer from the Army National Guard (ARNG), and one via direct commission inter-service transfer from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

List of generals

Entries in the following list of four-star generals are indexed by the numerical order in which each officer was promoted to that rank while on active duty, or by an asterisk (*) if the officer did not serve in that rank while on active duty. Each entry lists the general's name, date of rank, active-duty positions held while serving at four-star rank, number of years of active-duty service at four-star rank (Yrs), year commissioned and source of commission, number of years in commission when promoted to four-star rank (YC), and other biographical notes (years of birth and death are shown in parentheses in the Notes column).

# Name Photo Date of rank Position Yrs Commission YC Notes
1 Henry H. Arnold 19 Mar 1943  
  • Commanding General, Army Air Forces (CG AAF), 1942–1944.
  • Commanding General, Army Air Forces/Commanding General, Twentieth Air Force (CG AAF), 1944–1945.
 1 1907 (USMA) 36 (1886–1950) Promoted to General of the Army, 21 Dec 1944; to General of the Air Force, 7 May 1949.
2 Joseph T. McNarney 7 Mar 1945  
  • Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean/Commanding General, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, U.S. Army (DSACMED/CG MTOUSA), 1944–1945.
  • Commanding General, U.S. Forces European Theater/Military Governor of the U.S. Occupation Zone in Germany (CG USFET/USMILGOV), 1945–1947.
  • Senior Member, United Nations Military Staff Committee, 1947.
  • Commanding General, Air Materiel Command (CG AMC), 1947–1949.
  • Chairman, Department of Defense Management Committee, 1949–1952.
 7 1915 (USMA) 30 (1893–1972)
3 George C. Kenney 9 Mar 1945  
  • Commanding General, Allied Air Forces, South West Pacific Area (CG AAFSWPA), 1942–1945.
  • Member, Military Staff Committee of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1945–1946.
  • Commanding General, Strategic Air Command (CG SAC), 1946–1948.
  • Commander, Air University, 1948–1951.
 6 1917 (cadet) 28 (1889–1977)
4 Carl A. Spaatz 11 Mar 1945   3 1914 (USMA) 31 (1891–1974)
5 Hoyt S. Vandenberg 1 Oct 1947   6 1923 (USMA) 24 (1899–1954) Director of Central Intelligence, 1946–1947. Nephew of U.S. Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg; son married daughter of Air Force four-star general Leon W. Johnson.
6 Muir S. Fairchild 27 May 1948   2 1918 (cadet) 30 (1894–1950) Died in office.
7 Nathan F. Twining 10 Oct 1950   10 1918 (USMA) 32 (1897–1982) Brother of Marine Corps four-star general Merrill B. Twining.
8 John K. Cannon 29 Oct 1951  
  • Commanding General, Tactical Air Command (CG TAC), 1951–1954.
 3 1917 (direct) 34 (1892–1955)
9 Benjamin W. Chidlaw 29 Oct 1951  
  • Commanding General, Air Defense Command (CG ADC), 1951–1954.
  • Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command/Commanding General, Air Defense Command (CINCONAD/CG ADC), 1954–1955.
 4 1922 (USMA) 29 (1900–1977)
10 Curtis E. LeMay 29 Oct 1951   14 1929 (cadet) 22 (1906–1990) American Independent Party nominee for U.S. Vice president, 1968.
11 Lauris Norstad 5 Jul 1952   11 1930 (USMA) 22 (1907–1988)
12 Otto P. Weyland 5 Jul 1952  
  • Commanding General, Far East Air Forces (CG FEAF), 1951–1954.
  • Commanding General, Tactical Air Command (CG TAC), 1954–1959.
 7 1923 (Texas A&M) 29 (1902–1979)
13 Thomas D. White 30 Jun 1953   8 1920 (USMA) 33 (1902–1965)
14 Edwin W. Rawlings 19 Feb 1954  
  • Commanding General, Air Materiel Command (CG AMC), 1951–1959.
 5 1930 (cadet) 24 (1904–1997)
15 Earle E. Partridge 19 Feb 1954  
  • Commanding General, Far East Air Forces (CG FEAF), 1954–1955.
  • Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command/Commander, Air Defense Command (CINCONAD/COMADC), 1955–1956.
  • Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command (CINCONAD), 1956–1957.
  • Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCONAD), 1957–1959.
 5 1924 (USMA) 30 (1900–1990)
16 Orval R. Cook 1 Apr 1954  
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1954–1956.
 2 1922 (USMA) 32 (1898–1980)
17 Laurence S. Kuter 29 May 1955  
  • Commanding General, Far East Air Forces (CG FEAF), 1955–1957.
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1957–1959.
  • Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCONAD), 1959–1962.
 7 1927 (USMA) 28 (1905–1979) U.S. Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization, 1946–1948.
18 Thomas S. Power 30 Jun 1957  
  • Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1957–1960.
  • Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command/Director, Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff (CINCSAC), 1960–1964.
 7 1929 (cadet) 28 (1905–1970)
19 Frank F. Everest 1 Jul 1957   4 1928 (USMA) 29 (1904–1983)
20 Leon W. Johnson 31 Aug 1957  
  • U.S. Military Representative, NATO Military Committee (USMILREP), 1956–1958.
  • Air Deputy to Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (Air Deputy SHAPE), 1958–1961.
  • Director, Net Evaluation Subcommittee Staff, National Security Council, 1961–1965.
 8 1926 (USMA) 31 (1904–1997) Awarded Medal of Honor, 1943. Daughter married son of Air Force four-star general Hoyt S. Vandenberg.
21 Charles P. Cabell 11 Jul 1958
  • Deputy Director of Central Intelligence (DDCI), 1953–1962.
 4 1925 (USMA) 33 (1903–1971) Distant cousin of Navy four-star admiral Richard H. Jackson.
22 Samuel E. Anderson 10 Mar 1959  
  • Commander, Air Materiel Command (COMAMC), 1959–1961.
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1961.
  • Air Deputy to Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (Air Deputy SHAPE), 1961–1963.
 4 1928 (USMA) 31 (1906–1982)
23 Emmett O'Donnell Jr. 31 Jul 1959  
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1959–1963.
 4 1928 (USMA) 31 (1906–1971)
24 Frederic H. Smith Jr. 1 Aug 1959   3 1929 (USMA) 30 (1908–1980) Son-in-law of Navy five-star admiral Ernest J. King.
25 Truman H. Landon 28 Jun 1961   2 1928 (USMA) 33 (1905–1986)
26 William F. McKee 29 Jun 1961   3 1929 (USMA) 32 (1906–1987) Assistant Administrator for Management and Development, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1964–1965; Administrator, Federal Aviation Agency, 1965–1968.
27 Walter C. Sweeney Jr. 30 Jun 1961  
  • Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1961–1965.
 4 1930 (USMA) 31 (1909–1965)
28 Bernard A. Schriever 1 Jul 1961  
  • Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1961–1966.
 5 1931 (Texas A&M) 30 (1910–2005)
29 John K. Gerhart 29 Jun 1962   3 1929 (cadet) 33 (1907–1981)
30 Dean C. Strother 30 Jun 1962   4 1931 (USMA) 31 (1908–2000)
31 Mark E. Bradley Jr. 1 Jul 1962  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1962–1965.
 3 1930 (USMA) 32 (1907–1999)
32 John P. McConnell 1 Oct 1962   7 1932 (USMA) 30 (1908–1986)
33 Robert M. Lee 4 Jun 1963  
  • Air Deputy to Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (Air Deputy SHAPE), 1963–1966.
 3 1931 (USMA) 32 (1909–2003)
34 Jacob E. Smart 5 Jun 1963  
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1963–1964.
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1964–1966.
 3 1931 (USMA) 32 (1909–2006) Assistant Administrator for Policy/DoD and Interagency Affairs, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1967–1973.
35 Joe W. Kelly 6 Jun 1963  
  • Commander, Military Air Transport Service (COMMATS), 1960–1964.
 1 1932 (USMA) 31 (1910–1979)
36 Gabriel P. Disosway 1 Aug 1963   5 1933 (USMA) 30 (1910–2001)
37 Hunter Harris Jr. 18 Jul 1964  
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1964–1967.
 3 1932 (USMA) 32 (1909–1987)
38 Howell M. Estes II 19 Jul 1964  
  • Commander, Military Airlift Command (COMAC), 1964–1969.
 5 1936 (USMA) 28 (1914–2007) Father of Air Force four-star general Howell M. Estes III.
39 John D. Ryan 1 Dec 1964   9 1938 (USMA) 26 (1915–1983) Father of Air Force four-star general Michael E. Ryan.
40 William H. Blanchard 19 Feb 1965   1 1938 (USMA) 27 (1916–1966) Died in office.
41 Kenneth B. Hobson 31 Jul 1965  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1965–1967.
 2 1932 (USMA) 33 (1908–1979)
42 Bruce K. Holloway 1 Aug 1965   7 1937 (USMA) 28 (1912–1999)
43 William S. Stone 28 Jul 1966  
  • Air Deputy to Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (Air Deputy SHAPE), 1966–1968.
 2 1934 (USMA) 32 (1910–1968) Died in office. Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, 1959–1962.
44 Raymond J. Reeves 29 Jul 1966   3 1934 (USMA) 32 (1909–1998)
45 James Ferguson 30 Jul 1966  
  • Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1966–1970.
 4 1937 (cadet) 29 (1913–2000)
46 David A. Burchinal 31 Jul 1966  
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1966–1973.
 7 1940 (cadet) 26 (1915–1990)
47 Maurice A. Preston 1 Aug 1966   2 1937 (USMA) 29 (1912–1983)
48 Joseph J. Nazzaro 1 Feb 1967  
  • Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command/Director, Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff (CINCSAC), 1967–1968.
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1968–1971.
 4 1936 (USMA) 31 (1913–1990)
49 Thomas P. Gerrity 1 Aug 1967  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1967–1968.
 1 1940 (cadet) 27 (1913–1968) Died in office.
50 William W. Momyer 13 Dec 1967  
  • Commander, Seventh Air Force, 1966–1968.
  • Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1968–1973.
 6 1939 (cadet) 28 (1916–2012)
51 Jack G. Merrell 29 Mar 1968  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1968–1972.
 4 1939 (USMA) 29 (1915–1993)
52 Horace M. Wade 31 Jul 1968   5 1938 (cadet) 30 (1916–2001)
53 George S. Brown 1 Aug 1968   10 1941 (USMA) 27 (1918–1978)
54 Joseph R. Holzapple 1 Feb 1969   2 1941 (cadet) 28 (1914–1973)
55 Seth J. McKee 30 Jul 1969   4 1939 (cadet) 30 (1916–2016)
56 John C. Meyer 31 Jul 1969   5 1940 (cadet) 29 (1919–1975)
57 Jack J. Catton 1 Aug 1969  
  • Commander, Military Airlift Command (COMAC), 1969–1972.
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1972–1974.
 5 1941 (cadet) 28 (1920–1990)
58 Lucius D. Clay Jr. 1 Sep 1970   5 1942 (USMA) 28 (1919–1994) Son of Army four-star general Lucius D. Clay; grandson of U.S. Senator Alexander S. Clay.
59 Theodore R. Milton 31 Jul 1971  
  • U.S. Military Representative, NATO Military Committee (USMILREP), 1971–1974.
 3 1940 (USMA) 31 (1915–2010)
60 John D. Lavelle 1 Aug 1971  
  • Commander, Seventh Air Force, 1971–1972.
 1 1940 (cadet) 31 (1916–1979) Relieved, 1972.
61 David C. Jones 1 Sep 1971   11 1943 (cadet) 28 (1921–2013)
62 John W. Vogt Jr. 7 Apr 1972   3 1942 (cadet) 30 (1920–2010)
63 Russell E. Dougherty 1 May 1972   5 1943 (cadet) 29 (1920–2007) Executive Director, Air Force Association, 1980–1986. Father-in-law of Air Force four-star general Joseph W. Ralston.
* George B. Simler 16 Aug 1972  
  • (posthumous)
 0 1942 (cadet) 30 (1921–1972)
64 Paul K. Carlton 9 Oct 1972  
  • Commander, Military Airlift Command (COMAC), 1972–1977.
  • Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command (CINCMAC), 1977.
 5 1942 (cadet) 30 (1921–2009)
65 George J. Eade 18 Apr 1973  
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1973–1975.
 2 1942 (cadet) 31 (1921–2018)
66 Samuel C. Phillips 1 Aug 1973  
  • Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1973–1975.
 2 1942 (ROTC) 31 (1921–1990) Director, National Security Agency, 1972–1973.
67 Richard H. Ellis 30 Sep 1973   8 1942 (cadet) 31 (1919–1989) U.S. Commissioner for the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Standing Consultative Commission, 1982–1989.
68 Robert J. Dixon 1 Oct 1973  
  • Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1973–1978.
 5 1942 (RCAF) 31 (1920–2003)
69 Timothy F. O'Keefe 8 Oct 1973  
  • Commander, Seventh Air Force, 1973–1974.
 1 1940 (cadet) 33 (1919–1984)
70 Louis L. Wilson Jr. 1 Jul 1974  
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1974–1977.
 3 1943 (USMA) 31 (1919–2010)
71 Louis T. Seith 1 Aug 1974   3 1943 (USMA) 31 (1921–2007)
72 William V. McBride 1 Sep 1974   4 1942 (cadet) 32 (1922–2022)
73 William J. Evans 30 Aug 1975   3 1946 (USMA) 29 (1924–2000)
74 F. Michael Rogers 1 Sep 1975  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1975–1978.
 3 1943 (cadet) 32 (1921–2014)
75 Daniel James Jr. 1 Sep 1975   3 1943 (cadet) 32 (1920–1978) First African-American to achieve four-star rank in any service.
76 Robert E. Huyser 1 Sep 1975  
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1975–1979.
  • Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command (CINCMAC), 1979–1981.
 6 1944 (cadet) 31 (1924–1997) U.S. Special Envoy to Iran, 1979.
77 John W. Roberts 29 Mar 1977  
  • Commander, Air Training Command (COMATC), 1975–1979.
 2 1944 (cadet) 33 (1921–1999)
78 William G. Moore Jr. 1 Apr 1977  
  • Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command (CINCMAC), 1977–1979.
 2 1941 (cadet) 36 (1920–2012)
79 Lew Allen Jr. 31 Jul 1977   5 1946 (USMA) 31 (1925–2010) Director, National Security Agency, 1973–1977; Director, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1982–1990.
80 James R. Allen 1 Aug 1977  
  • Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1977–1979.
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1979–1981.
  • Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command (CINCMAC), 1981–1983.
 6 1948 (USMA) 29 (1925–1992) Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, 1974–1977.
81 James E. Hill 21 Dec 1977   2 1943 (cadet) 34 (1921–1999)
82 Bryce Poe II 2 Feb 1978  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1978–1981.
 3 1946 (USMA) 32 (1924–2000)
83 Alton D. Slay 1 Apr 1978  
  • Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1978–1981.
 3 1944 (cadet) 34 (1924–2015)
84 Wilbur L. Creech 1 May 1978  
  • Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1978–1984.
 6 1949 (cadet) 29 (1927–2003)
85 James A. Hill 10 Jul 1978   2 1944 (cadet) 34 (1923–2010)
86 John W. Pauly 1 Aug 1978   2 1945 (USMA) 33 (1923–2013)
87 Bennie L. Davis 1 Apr 1979  
  • Commander, Air Training Command (COMATC), 1979–1981.
  • Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command/Director, Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff (CINCSAC), 1981–1985.
 6 1950 (USMA) 29 (1928–2012)
88 William Y. Smith 1 Jul 1979   4 1948 (USMA) 31 (1925–2016)
89 Robert C. Mathis 1 Mar 1980   2 1948 (USMA) 32 (1927–2016)
90 Richard L. Lawson 1 Jul 1980  
  • U.S. Military Representative, NATO Military Committee (USMILREP), 1980–1981.
  • Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1981–1983.
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1983–1986.
 6 1951 (ARNG) 29 (1929–2020)
91 Charles A. Gabriel 1 Aug 1980   6 1950 (USMA) 30 (1928–2003)
92 Robert T. Marsh 1 Feb 1981  
  • Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1981–1984.
 3 1949 (USMA) 32 (1925–2017)
93 Thomas M. Ryan Jr. 31 Jul 1981  
  • Commander, Air Training Command (COMATC), 1981–1983.
  • Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command (CINCMAC), 1983–1985.
 4 1950 (cadet) 31 (1928–2024)
94 James P. Mullins 1 Aug 1981  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1981–1984.
 3 1949 (cadet) 32 (born 1928)
95 James V. Hartinger 1 Oct 1981   3 1949 (USMA) 32 (1925–2000)
96 Jerome F. O'Malley 1 Jun 1982  
  • Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1982–1983.
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1983–1984.
  • Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1984–1985.
 3 1953 (USMA) 29 (1932–1985) Died in office.
97 Billy M. Minter 1 Jul 1982   2 1949 (cadet) 33 (1926–2005)
98 Andrew P. Iosue 1 Jul 1983  
  • Commander, Air Training Command (COMATC), 1983–1986.
 3 1951 (AFROTC) 32 (born 1927)
99 James E. Dalton 1 Aug 1983   2 1954 (USMA) 29 (1930–2024)
100 Lawrence A. Skantze 6 Oct 1983   4 1952 (USNA) 31 (1928–2018)
101 Larry D. Welch 1 Aug 1984   6 1953 (cadet) 31 (born 1934) President, Institute for Defense Analyses, 1990–2003, 2006–2009.
102 Robert T. Herres 1 Aug 1984   6 1954 (USNA) 30 (1932–2008)
103 Robert W. Bazley 1 Nov 1984  
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1984–1986.
 2 1945 (cadet) 29 (1925–2012)
104 Charles L. Donnelly Jr. 1 Nov 1984   3 1952 (cadet) 32 (1929–1994) Executive Director, Air Force Association, 1988–1989.
105 Earl T. O'Loughlin 1 Nov 1984  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1984–1987.
 3 1952 (cadet) 32 (1930–2023)
* James H. Doolittle 4 Apr 1985  
  • (retired)
 0 1918 (cadet) 67 (1896–1993) Awarded Medal of Honor, 1942; Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1989. First Air Force reservist to attain rank of general.
* Ira C. Eaker 26 Apr 1985  
  • (retired)
 0 1917 (direct) 68 (1896–1987) Awarded Congressional Gold Medal, 1978.
106 Robert D. Russ 22 May 1985  
  • Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1985–1991.
 6 1955 (AFROTC) 30 (1933–1997)
107 John T. Chain Jr. 1 Jul 1985   6 1956 (AFROTC) 29 (1934–2021) U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Politico-Military Affairs, 1984–1985.
108 John L. Piotrowski 1 Aug 1985   5 1954 (cadet) 31 (born 1934)
109 Duane H. Cassidy 8 Nov 1985  
  • Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command (CINCMAC), 1985–1987.
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Transportation Command/Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command (USCINCTRANS/CINCMAC), 1987–1989.
 4 1954 (cadet) 31 (1933–2016)
110 Robert H. Reed 1 Jul 1986   2 1953 (cadet) 33 (1929–2017)
111 Thomas C. Richards 1 Dec 1986  
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1986–1989.
 3 1956 (VPI) 30 (1930–2020) Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration, 1992–1993.
112 Jack I. Gregory 1 Jan 1987  
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1986–1988.
 1 1953 (AFROTC) 34 (born 1931)
113 Monroe W. Hatch Jr. 29 Jan 1987   3 1951 (USNA) 36 (born 1933) Executive Director, Air Force Association, 1990–1995.
114 William L. Kirk 1 May 1987   2 1954 (cadet) 33 (1932–2017)
115 Bernard P. Randolph 1 Aug 1987  
  • Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1987–1990.
 3 1956 (cadet) 31 (1933–2021)
116 Alfred G. Hansen 1 Aug 1987  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1987–1989.
 2 1955 (cadet) 32 (born 1933)
117 John A. Shaud 1 Jul 1988   3 1956 (USMA) 32 (born 1933) Executive Director, Air Force Association, 1995–2002.
118 Merrill A. McPeak 1 Aug 1988   6 1957 (AFROTC) 31 (born 1936) Chairman, American Battle Monuments Commission, 2010–2018.
119 Michael J. Dugan 1 May 1989   2 1958 (USMA) 31 (born 1937) Relieved as chief of staff, 1990.
120 James P. McCarthy 1 Oct 1989  
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1989–1992.
 3 1957 (AFROTC) 32 (born 1935)
121 Hansford T. Johnson 1 Oct 1989  
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Transportation Command/Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command (USCINCTRANS/CINCMAC), 1989–1992.
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Transportation Command/Commander, Air Mobility Command (USCINCTRANS/COMAMC), 1992.
 3 1959 (USAFA) 30 (born 1936) U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment, 2002–2005.
122 Charles C. McDonald 1 Nov 1989  
  • Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1989–1992.
 3 1956 (AFROTC) 33 (1933–2017)
123 Donald J. Kutyna 1 Apr 1990   2 1957 (USMA) 33 (born 1933)
124 Ronald W. Yates 1 Apr 1990  
  • Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1990–1992.
  • Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 1992–1995.
 5 1960 (USAFA) 30 (born 1938)
125 John M. Loh 1 Jun 1990   5 1960 (USAFA) 30 (born 1938)
126 Robert C. Oaks 1 Jul 1990   4 1959 (USAFA) 31 (born 1936)
127 George L. Butler 25 Jan 1991  
  • Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command/Director, Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff (CINCSAC), 1991–1992.
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Strategic Command (USCINCSTRAT), 1992–1994.
 3 1961 (USAFA) 30 (born 1939)
128 Jimmie V. Adams 13 Feb 1991  
  • Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1991–1993.
 2 1958 (AFROTC) 33 (born 1936)
129 Michael P. C. Carns 16 May 1991   3 1959 (USAFA) 32 (1937–2023)
130 James B. Davis 24 Jul 1991   2 1958 (USNA) 33 (born 1935)
131 Chuck A. Horner 1 Jul 1992   2 1958 (AFROTC) 34 (born 1936)
132 Ronald R. Fogleman 1 Sep 1992  
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Transportation Command/Commander, Air Mobility Command (USCINCTRANS/COMAMC), 1992–1994.
  • Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1994–1997.
 5 1963 (USAFA) 29 (born 1942)
133 Charles G. Boyd 1 Dec 1992  
  • Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1992–1995.
 3 1960 (cadet) 32 (1938–2022)
134 Henry Viccellio Jr. 1 Dec 1992  
  • Commander, Air Training Command (COMATC), 1992–1993.
  • Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC), 1993–1995.
  • Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 1995–1997.
 5 1963 (USAFA) 29 (born 1940)
135 Robert L. Rutherford 1 Feb 1993  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 1993–1994.
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Transportation Command/Commander, Air Mobility Command (USCINCTRANS/COMAMC), 1994–1996.
 3 1961 (AFROTC) 32 (1938–2013)
136 Thomas S. Moorman Jr. 1 Aug 1994   3 1962 (AFROTC) 32 (1940–2020)
137 James L. Jamerson 1 Sep 1994   4 1963 (USAFA) 31 (born 1941)
138 Joseph W. Ashy 13 Sep 1994   2 1962 (Texas A&M) 32 (born 1940)
139 John G. Lorber 12 Oct 1994  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 1994–1997.
 3 1964 (USAFA) 30 (1941–2021)
140 Billy J. Boles 1 Jul 1995   2 1962 (AFROTC) 33 (1938–2021)
141 Joseph W. Ralston 1 Jul 1995  
  • Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 1995–1996.
  • Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (VJCS), 1996–2000.
  • Supreme Allied Commander, Europe/Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (SACEUR/USCINCEUR), 2000–2003.
 8 1965 (AFROTC) 30 (born 1943) U.S. Special Envoy for Countering the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), 2006–present. Son-in-law of Air Force four-star general Russell E. Dougherty.
142 Richard E. Hawley 1 Aug 1995   4 1964 (USAFA) 31 (born 1942)
143 Eugene E. Habiger 1 Mar 1996  
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Strategic Command (USCINCSTRAT), 1996–1998.
 2 1963 (OTS) 33 (1939–2022) Director of Security and Emergency Operations, U.S. Department of Energy, 1999–2001.
144 Michael E. Ryan 4 Apr 1996   5 1965 (USAFA) 31 (born 1941) Son of Air Force four-star general John D. Ryan.
145 Walter Kross 1 Aug 1996  
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Transportation Command/Commander, Air Mobility Command (USCINCTRANS/COMAMC), 1996–1998.
 2 1964 (OTS) 32 (born 1942)
146 Howell M. Estes III 1 Oct 1996   2 1965 (USAFA) 31 (1941–2024) Son of Air Force four-star general Howell M. Estes Jr.
147 Lloyd W. Newton 1 Apr 1997   3 1966 (AFROTC) 31 (born 1942)
148 George T. Babbitt Jr. 1 Jun 1997  
  • Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 1997–2000.
 3 1965 (AFROTC) 32 (born 1942) Director, Defense Logistics Agency, 1996–1997.
149 Ralph E. Eberhart 1 Aug 1997   7 1968 (USAFA) 29 (born 1946)
150 Richard B. Myers 1 Sep 1997   8 1965 (AFROTC) 32 (born 1942) President, Kansas State University, 2016–2022. Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom, 2005.
151 John A. Gordon 31 Oct 1997  
  • Deputy Director of Central Intelligence (DDCI), 1997–2000.
 3 1968 (AFROTC) 29 (1946–2020) U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, 1993–1994; U.S. Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, 2000–2002; Deputy National Security Advisor for Combating Terrorism, 2002–2003; Homeland Security Advisor, 2003–2004.
152 John P. Jumper 17 Nov 1997   8 1966 (VMI) 31 (born 1945)
153 Charles T. Robertson Jr. 1 Sep 1998  
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Transportation Command/Commander, Air Mobility Command (USCINCTRANS/COMAMC), 1998–2001.
 3 1968 (USAFA) 30 (born 1946)
154 Patrick K. Gamble 1 Oct 1998  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 1998–2001.
 3 1967 (Texas A&M) 31 (born 1945) President, University of Alaska System, 2010–2015.
* Benjamin O. Davis Jr. 9 Dec 1998  
  • (retired)
 0 1936 (USMA) 62 (1912–2002) Director of Aviation Security, 1970–1971; U.S. Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Safety and Consumer Affairs, 1971–1975.
155 Lester L. Lyles 1 Jul 1999   4 1968 (AFROTC) 31 (born 1946) Director, Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, 1996–1999.
156 Gregory S. Martin 1 Jun 2000   5 1970 (USAFA) 30 (born 1948)
157 John W. Handy 1 Jul 2000  
  • Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2000–2001.
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Transportation Command/Commander, Air Mobility Command (USCINCTRANS/COMAMC), 2001–2002.
  • Commander, U.S. Transportation Command/Commander, Air Mobility Command (CDRUSTRANSCOM/COMAMC), 2002–2005.
 5 1967 (OTS) 33 (born 1944)
158 Hal M. Hornburg 1 Aug 2000  
  • Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC), 2000–2001.
  • Commander, Air Combat Command/Air Component Commander for U.S. Joint Forces Command (COMACC/AIRUSJFCOM), 2001–2002.
  • Commander, Air Combat Command/Air Component Commander for U.S. Joint Forces Command and U.S. Northern Command (COMACC/AIRUSJFCOM-USNORTHCOM), 2002–2004.
 4 1968 (Texas A&M) 32 (born 1945)
159 Charles R. Holland 1 Dec 2000   3 1968 (USAFA) 32 (born 1946)
160 William J. Begert 1 May 2001  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command (COMPACAF/AIRCINCUSPACOM), 2001–2002.
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (COMPACAF/AIRCDRUSPACOM), 2002–2004.
 3 1968 (USAFA) 33 (born 1946)
161 Robert H. Foglesong 5 Nov 2001   4 1972 (AFROTC) 29 (born 1945) President, Mississippi State University, 2006–2008.
162 Donald G. Cook 17 Dec 2001   4 1969 (AFROTC) 32 (born 1946)
163 Lance W. Lord 19 Apr 2002  
  • Commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), 2002–2006.
 4 1968 (AFROTC) 34 (born 1946)
164 Charles F. Wald 1 Jan 2003  
  • Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 2002–2006.
 4 1971 (AFROTC) 32 (born 1948)
165 T. Michael Moseley 1 Oct 2003   5 1971 (Texas A&M) 32 (born 1949) Resigned, 2008.
166 Paul V. Hester 1 Aug 2004  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (COMPACAF/AIRCDRUSPACOM), 2004–2007.
 3 1971 (AFROTC) 33 (born 1947)
167 Michael V. Hayden 21 Apr 2005   4 1969 (AFROTC) 36 (born 1945) Director, National Security Agency, 1999–2005.
168 Ronald E. Keys 27 May 2005  
  • Commander, Air Combat Command/Air Component Commander for U.S. Joint Forces Command and U.S. Northern Command (COMACC/AIRUSJFCOM-USNORTHCOM), 2005–2007.
 2 1967 (AFROTC) 38 (born 1945)
169 William R. Looney III 1 Aug 2005   3 1972 (USAFA) 33 (born 1949)
170 Bruce A. Carlson 1 Sep 2005  
  • Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2005–2008.
 3 1971 (AFROTC) 34 (born 1949) Director, National Reconnaissance Office, 2009–2012.
171 Norton A. Schwartz 1 Oct 2005   7 1973 (USAFA) 32 (born 1951) President, Institute for Defense Analyses, 2020–present.
172 John D. W. Corley 1 Nov 2005  
  • Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2005–2007.
  • Commander, Air Combat Command/Air Component Commander for U.S. Joint Forces Command (COMACC/AIRUSJFCOM), 2007–2009.
 4 1973 (USAFA) 32 (born 1951)
173 Lance L. Smith 7 Nov 2005  
  • Supreme Allied Commander, Transformation/Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command (SACT/CDRUSJFCOM), 2005–2007.
 2 1970 (OTS) 35 (born 1946)
174 Duncan J. McNabb 1 Dec 2005  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2005–2007.
  • Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2007–2008.
  • Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (CDRUSTRANSCOM), 2008–2011.
 6 1974 (USAFA) 31 (born 1952)
175 William T. Hobbins 1 Feb 2006   1 1969 (OTS) 37 (born 1946)
176 Kevin P. Chilton 26 Jun 2006  
  • Commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), 2006–2007.
  • Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (CDRUSSTRATCOM), 2007–2011.
 5 1976 (USAFA) 30 (born 1954) First astronaut to attain rank of general.
177 Victor E. Renuart Jr. 23 Mar 2007   3 1972 (OTS) 35 (born 1949)
178 Arthur J. Lichte 7 Sep 2007  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2007–2009.
 2 1971 (AFROTC) 36 (born 1949)
179 C. Robert Kehler 12 Oct 2007  
  • Commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), 2007–2011.
  • Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (CDRUSSTRATCOM), 2011–2013.
 6 1975 (AFROTC) 32 (born 1952)
180 Carrol H. Chandler 30 Nov 2007  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for U.S. Pacific Command/Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff (COMPACAF/AIRCDRUSPACOM/EXDIRPACOPS), 2007–2009.
  • Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2009–2011.
 4 1974 (USAFA) 33 (born 1952)
181 Roger A. Brady 9 Jan 2008   2 1968 (AFROTC) 40 (born 1946)
182 Stephen R. Lorenz 2 Jul 2008   2 1973 (USAFA) 35 (born 1951)
183 William M. Fraser III 9 Oct 2008  
  • Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2008–2009.
  • Commander, Air Combat Command/Air Component Commander for U.S. Joint Forces Command (COMACC/AIRUSJFCOM), 2009–2011.
  • Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2011.
  • Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (CDRUSTRANSCOM), 2011–2014.
 6 1974 (Texas A&M) 34 (born 1952)
184 Craig R. McKinley 17 Nov 2008   4 1974 (AFROTC) 34 (born 1952) President, Air Force Association, 2012–2015. First National Guard officer to achieve the rank of general.
185 Donald J. Hoffman 21 Nov 2008  
  • Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2008–2012.
 4 1974 (USAFA) 34 (born 1952)
186 Douglas M. Fraser 25 Jun 2009  
  • Commander, U.S. Southern Command (CDRUSSOUTHCOM), 2009–2012.
 3 1975 (USAFA) 34 (born 1953)
187 Gary L. North 19 Aug 2009  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for U.S. Pacific Command/Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff (COMPACAF/AIRCDRUSPACOM/EXDIRPACOPS), 2009–2012.
 3 1976 (AFROTC) 33 (born 1954)
188 Raymond E. Johns Jr. 20 Nov 2009  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2009–2012.
 3 1977 (USAFA) 32 (born 1954)
189 Edward A. Rice Jr. 17 Nov 2010   3 1978 (USAFA) 32 (born 1956)
190 Mark A. Welsh III 13 Dec 2010   6 1976 (USAFA) 34 (born 1953) Dean, Bush School of Government and Public Service, 2016–2023; President, Texas A&M University, 2023–2025.
191 William L. Shelton 5 Jan 2011  
  • Commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), 2011–2014.
 3 1976 (USAFA) 35 (born 1954)
192 Philip M. Breedlove 14 Jan 2011   5 1977 (AFROTC) 34 (born 1955)
193 Gilmary M. Hostage III 13 Sep 2011  
  • Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2011–2014.
 3 1977 (AFROTC) 34 (born 1955)
194 Janet C. Wolfenbarger 5 Jun 2012  
  • Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2012–2015.
 3 1980 (USAFA) 32 (born 1958) First woman to achieve the rank of general in the Air Force.
195 Larry O. Spencer 27 Jul 2012   3 1980 (OTS) 32 (born 1954) President, Air Force Association, 2015–2019. Served nine years in the enlisted ranks before receiving his commission in 1980.
196 Herbert J. Carlisle 2 Aug 2012  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for U.S. Pacific Command/Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff (COMPACAF/AIRCDRUSPACOM/EXDIRPACOPS), 2012–2014.
  • Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2014–2017.
 5 1978 (USAFA) 34 (born 1957)
197 Paul J. Selva 29 Nov 2012  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2012–2014.
  • Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (CDRUSTRANSCOM), 2014–2015.
  • Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (VJCS), 2015–2019.
 7 1980 (USAFA) 32 (born 1958)
198 Frank Gorenc 2 Aug 2013  
  • Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa/Commander, Allied Air Command/Director, Joint Air Power Competence Center (COMUSAFE/COMAFAFRICA/AIRCOM/DIRJAPCC), 2013–2016.
 3 1979 (USAFA) 34 (born 1957)
199 Robin Rand 10 Oct 2013   5 1979 (USAFA) 34 (born 1958)
200 Darren W. McDew 5 May 2014  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2014–2015.
  • Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (CDRUSTRANSCOM), 2015–2018.
 4 1982 (VMI) 32 (born 1960)
201 John E. Hyten 15 Aug 2014  
  • Commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), 2014–2016.
  • Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (CDRUSSTRATCOM), 2016–2019.
  • Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (VJCS), 2019–2021.
 7 1981 (AFROTC) 33 (born 1959)
202 Lori J. Robinson 16 Oct 2014  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for U.S. Pacific Command/Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff (COMPACAF/AIRCDRUSPACOM/EXDIRPACOPS), 2014–2016.
  • Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander, U.S. Northern Command (CDRNORAD/CDRUSNORTHCOM), 2016–2018.
 4 1981 (AFROTC) 33 (born 1959) First woman in any service to lead a unified combatant command.
203 Ellen M. Pawlikowski 8 Jun 2015  
  • Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2015–2018.
 3 1978 (AFROTC) 37 (born 1956)
204 Carlton D. Everhart II 11 Aug 2015  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2015–2018.
 3 1983 (Virginia Tech) 32 (born 1961)
205 David L. Goldfein 17 Aug 2015   5 1983 (USAFA) 32 (born 1959)
206 Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy 12 Jul 2016  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for U.S. Pacific Command/Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff (COMPACAF/AIRCDRUSPACOM/EXDIRPACOPS), 2016–2018.
  • Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander, U.S. Northern Command (CDRNORAD/CDRUSNORTHCOM), 2018–2020.
 4 1986 (USAFA) 30 (born 1964)
207 Stephen W. Wilson 22 Jul 2016   4 1981 (Texas A&M) 35 (born 1959/1960)
208 Joseph L. Lengyel 3 Aug 2016   4 1981 (AFROTC) 35 (born 1959)
209 Tod D. Wolters 11 Aug 2016  
  • Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa/Commander, Allied Air Command/Director, Joint Air Power Competence Center (COMUSAFE/COMAFAFRICA/AIRCOM/DIRJAPCC), 2016–2019.
  • Commander, U.S. European Command/Supreme Allied Commander Europe (CDRUSEUCOM/SACEUR), 2019–2022.
 6 1982 (USAFA) 34 (born c. 1961)
210 John W. Raymond 25 Oct 2016  
  • Commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), 2016–2017.
  • Commander, Air Force Space Command/Joint Force Space Component Commander (COMAFSPC/JFSCC), 2017–2019.
  • Commander, U.S. Space Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CDRUSSPACECOM/COMAFSPC), 2019.
 3 1984 (AFROTC) 32 (born 1962) Chief of Space Operations, 2019–2022.
211 James M. Holmes 10 Mar 2017  
  • Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2017–2020.
 3 1981 (OTS) 36 (born 1957)
212 Charles Q. Brown Jr. 26 Jul 2018   7 1985 (AFROTC) 33 (born 1962) Relieved, 2025.
213 Timothy M. Ray 21 Aug 2018   3 1985 (USAFA) 33 (born 1963)
214 Maryanne Miller 7 Sep 2018  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2018–2020.
 2 1981 (AFROTC) 37 (born 1961) First Air Force Reserve officer to achieve the rank of general.
215 Jeffrey L. Harrigian 1 May 2019   3 1985 (USAFA) 34 (born c. 1962)
216 Arnold W. Bunch Jr. 31 May 2019  
  • Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2019–2022.
 3 1984 (USAFA) 35 (born 1962)
217 Kenneth S. Wilsbach 8 Jul 2020  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command/Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff (COMPACAF/AIRCDRUSINDOPACOM/EXDIRPACOPS), 2020–2024.
  • Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2024–2025.
  • Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 2025–present.
 5 1985 (AFROTC) 35 (born c. 1963)
218 Glen D. VanHerck 20 Aug 2020   4 1987 (AFROTC) 33 (born 1962)
219 Jacqueline D. Van Ovost 20 Aug 2020  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2020–2021.
  • Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (CDRUSTRANSCOM), 2021–2024.
 4 1988 (USAFA) 32 (born 1965)
220 Mark D. Kelly 28 Aug 2020  
  • Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2020–2024.
 4 1986 (AFROTC) 34 (born c. 1962)
221 David W. Allvin 12 Nov 2020   5 1986 (USAFA) 34 (born c. 1963)
222 Anthony J. Cotton 27 Aug 2021  
  • Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command/Commander, Air Forces Strategic- Air, U.S. Strategic Command (COMAFGSC/COMAFSTRATAIR), 2021–2022.
  • Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (CDRUSSTRATCOM), 2022–2025.
 4 1986 (AFROTC) 35
223 Michael A. Minihan 5 Oct 2021  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2021–2024.
 3 1989 (AFROTC) 32 (born c. 1967)
224 Duke Z. Richardson 13 Jun 2022  
  • Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2022–2025.
 3 1989 (OTS) 33 (born c. 1964)
225 James B. Hecker 27 Jun 2022   3 1989 (USAFA) 33
226 Thomas A. Bussiere 7 Dec 2022   3 1985 (Norwich) 37 (born c. 1963)
227 James C. Slife 19 Dec 2023   2 1989 (AFROTC) 34 (born c. 1967) Relieved, 2025.
228 Timothy D. Haugh 2 Feb 2024   1 1991 (AFROTC) 33 (1969–       ) Relieved, 2025.
229 Gregory M. Guillot 5 Feb 2024   1 1989 (USAFA) 35
230 Kevin B. Schneider 9 Feb 2024  
  • Commander, Pacific Air Forces/Air Component Commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command/Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff (COMPACAF/AIRCDRUSINDOPACOM/EXDIRPACOPS), 2024–present.
 1 1988 (USAFA) 36
231 John D. Lamontagne 7 Sep 2024  
  • Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2024–present.
 1 1992 (USAFA) 32 (born c. 1970)
232 Steven S. Nordhaus 2 Oct 2024   1 1989 (USAFA) 35 (born 1966)
233 Randall Reed 4 Oct 2024  
  • Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (CDRUSTRANSCOM), 2024–present.
 1 1989 (USAFA) 35 (born c. 1967)
234 J. Daniel Caine 11 Apr 2025   0 1990 (VMI) 35 (born 1968)
235 Alexus G. Grynkewich 1 Jul 2025  
  • Commander, U.S. European Command/Supreme Allied Commander Europe (CDRUSEUCOM/SACEUR), 2025–present.
 0 1993 (USAFA) 32 (born 1971)
236 Adrian L. Spain 11 Aug 2025  
  • Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2025–present.
 0 1994 (AFROTC) 31
237 Dagvin R. M. Anderson 15 Aug 2025  
  • Commander, U.S. Africa Command (CDRUSAFRICOM), 2025–present.
 0 1992 (AFROTC) 33 (born 1970)
238 Stephen L. Davis 4 Nov 2025   0 1989 (OTS) 36 (born c. 1967)

History

Four-star positions

1943–1991

The modern rank of general was established by the Officer Personnel Act of 1947, which authorized the President to designate certain positions of importance to carry that rank. Officers appointed to such positions bear temporary four-star rank while so serving, and are allowed to retire at that rank if their performance is judged satisfactory. The total number of active-duty four-star generals in the Air Force is limited to a fixed percentage of the number of Air Force general officers serving at all ranks.

Within the Air Force, the chief of staff (CSAF) and vice chief of staff (VCSAF) are four-star generals by statute. Other four-star generals occupy positions of designated importance; historically, these have included the commanders responsible for strategic bombers and nuclear missiles (SAC/STRATCOM); tactical air combat (TAC/ACC); air transport (MAC/TRANSCOM); North American aerospace defense (NORAD); the Air Force formations in Europe and the Pacific; and other training, readiness, and materiel organizations.

The Air Force also competes with the other services for a number of joint four-star positions, such as the chairman (CJCS) and vice chairman (VJCS) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Other joint four-star positions have included unified combatant commanders and certain NATO staff positions.

1991–present

Legislation

The following list of Congressional legislation includes major acts of Congress pertaining to appointments to the grade of general in the United States Air Force.

Legislation Citation Summary
Act of 26 July 1947

[National Security Act of 1947]

 61 Stat. 503
  • Established U.S. Air Force.
Act of 7 August 1947

[Officer Personnel Act of 1947]

 61 Stat. 886
  • Authorized president to designate, subject to Senate confirmation, Air Force officers to have the rank of general while assigned to positions of importance and responsibility.
  • Capped Air Force positions with ranks above major general at 15 percent of the total number of general officers serving on active federal military duty, of which not more than 25 percent to carry the rank of general.
Act of 26 June 1948  62 Stat. 1052
  • Authorized permanent grade of general and full active-duty pay and allowances in retirement for Carl A. Spaatz.
Act of 12 December 1980

[Defense Officer Personnel Management Act]

 94 Stat. 2844
 94 Stat. 2849
 94 Stat. 2876
  • Authorized president to designate positions of importance and responsibility to carry the grade of general, to be assigned from officers on active duty in any grade above colonel, subject to Senate confirmation, who revert to their permanent grade at the end of their assignment unless it was terminated by
    1. assignment to another position designated to carry the same grade,
    2. up to 180 days of hospitalization, or
    3. up to 90 days prior to retirement [reduced to 60 days in 1991 (105 Stat. 1354)].
  • Capped, except during war or national emergency, Air Force officers in grades above major general at 15 percent of all general officers on active duty, of whom not more than 25 percent to serve in the grade of general.
  • Authorized three- and four-star officers to retire in the highest grade held on active duty, at the discretion of the president and subject to confirmation by the Senate, with no time-in-grade requirement [changed in 1996 to certification by secretary of defense and three-year time-in-grade requirement (110 Stat. 292)].
Act of 17 October 1998  112 Stat. 2035
  • Authorized promotion of Benjamin O. Davis Jr. to general on the retired list, with no increase in compensation or benefits.
Act of 28 January 2008  122 Stat. 496
  • Increased grade of chief of the National Guard Bureau to general.
Act of 28 October 2009  123 Stat. 2273
 123 Stat. 2274
 123 Stat. 2276
  • Capped Air Force officers in the grade of general at 9, exempting from caps the chief of the National Guard Bureau and up to 20 generals assigned to joint duty [joint-duty cap repealed in 2016, effective 31 December 2022 (130 Stat. 2100), and lowered in 2021 to 19 (134 Stat. 3563)].
Act of 20 December 2019  133 Stat. 1561
  • Redesignated Air Force Space Command as U.S. Space Force.

See also

  • General (United States)
  • List of active duty United States four-star officers
  • List of United States Army four-star generals
  • List of United States Coast Guard four-star admirals
  • List of United States Marine Corps four-star generals
  • List of United States Navy four-star admirals
  • List of United States Space Force four-star generals
  • List of United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps four-star admirals
  • List of United States military leaders by rank
  • List of Royal Air Force air chief marshals
  • List of lieutenant generals in the United States Air Force before 1960
  • List of United States Air Force lieutenant generals from 2000 to 2009
  • List of United States Air Force lieutenant generals from 2010 to 2019
  • List of United States Air Force lieutenant generals since 2020

wikipedia, wiki, encyclopedia, book, library, article, read, free download, Information about List of United States Air Force four-star generals, What is List of United States Air Force four-star generals? What does List of United States Air Force four-star generals mean?

Home Page | Go up