The commander, United States Air Forces Europe (COMUSAFE) is the most senior officer and head of the United States air forces in Europe. In October 2025, it was reported that the post will be downgraded from a four-star rank to three-star. This is in line with the Department of War directive to reduce general and flag officer positions.
| Commander of United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa | |
|---|---|
Insignia of USAFE-AFRICA | |
Flag of a U.S. Air Force four-star general | |
Incumbent since May 3, 2025Lieutenant General Jason T. Hinds Acting | |
| United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa | |
| Type | Service component commander |
| Abbreviation | COMUSAFE/COMAFAFRICA |
| Reports to | Secretary of the Air Force (administrative) Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force (administrative) Commander, U.S. European Command (operational) Commander, U.S. Africa Command (operational) |
| Seat | Ramstein Air Base, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany |
| Appointer | The president with Senate advice and consent |
| Term length | 2–3 years (approx.) |
| Precursor | Commanding General, U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe |
| Inaugural holder | Lt Gen John K. Cannon |
| Formation | July 4, 1945 |
| Deputy | Deputy Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa |
List of USAFE commanders
| # | Photo | Name | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | Jason T. Hinds | 2025–present | ||
| 39 | James B. Hecker | 2022–2025 | ||
| 38 | Jeffrey L. Harrigian | 2019-2022 | ||
| 37 | Tod D. Wolters | 2016-2019 |
| |
| 36 | Frank Gorenc | 2013-2016 | ||
| 35 | Philip M. Breedlove | 2012-2013 |
| |
| 34 | Mark Welsh | 2010-2012 |
| |
| 33 | Roger A. Brady | 2008-2010 | ||
| 32 | William T. Hobbins | 2005-2007 | ||
| 31 | Robert H. Foglesong | 2003-2005 |
| |
| 30 | Gregory S. Martin | 2000-2003 |
| |
| 29 | John P. Jumper | 1997-2000 |
| |
| 28 | Michael E. Ryan | 1996-1997 |
| |
| 27 | Richard E. Hawley | 1995-1996 |
| |
| 26 | James L. Jamerson | 1994-1995 | ||
| 25 | Robert C. Oaks | 1990-1994 | ||
| 24 | Michael J. Dugan | 1989-1990 |
| |
| 23 | William L. Kirk | 1987-1989 | ||
| 22 | Charles L. Donnelly, Jr. | 1984-1987 | ||
| 21 | Billy M. Minter | 1982-1984 | ||
| 20 | Charles A. Gabriel | 1980-1982 |
| |
| 19 | John W. Pauly | 1978-1980 | ||
| 18 | William J. Evans | 1977-1978 |
| |
| 17 | Richard H. Ellis | 1975-1977 |
| |
| 16 | John W. Vogt, Jr. | 1974-1975 |
| |
| 15 | David C. Jones | 1971-1974 |
| |
| 14 | Joseph R. Holzapple | 1969-1971 | ||
| 13 | Horace M. Wade | 1968-1969 |
| |
| 12 | Maurice A. Preston | 1966-1968 | ||
| 11 | Bruce K. Holloway | 1965–1966 |
| |
| 10 | Gabriel P. Disosway | 1963-1965 |
| |
| 9 | Truman H. Landon | 1961-1963 | ||
| 8 | Frederic H. Smith, Jr. | 1959-1961 |
| |
| 7 | Frank F. Everest | 1957-1959 |
| |
| 6 | William H. Tunner | 1953-1957 | ||
| 5 | Lauris Norstad | 1951-1953 |
| |
| 4 | John K. Cannon | 1948-1951 |
| |
| 3 | Curtis LeMay | 1947-1948 |
| |
| 2 | Idwal H. Edwards | 1946-1947 | ||
| 1 | John K. Cannon | 1945-1946 |
See also
- List of United States Air Force four-star generals
- List of commanders-in-chief of the Strategic Air Command
- List of commanders of Tactical Air Command
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