Ioannis Giagkos

Air Chief Marshal Ioannis Giagkos (Ιωάννης Γιάγκος, born 1951) is a Greek Air Force officer and a former Chief of the National Defense General Staff of Greece.

Career
Air Chief Marshal Giagkos was born in December 1951 in Trikala, Thessaly. He attended the Greek Air Force Academy and graduated in 1974 as a pilot officer. His initial assignment was in the 117 Combat Wing stationed at Andravida Air force Base, as an F-4 Phantom II aircraft pilot. During his career as a command pilot he served as fighter squadron and tactical fighter wing commander in several units of the Greek Air Force, with more than 4,200 flying hours in a variety of aircraft, 3,000 of which in F-4 and F-16 C/D fighter jets. He is an alumnus of various military schools both in Greece and abroad. Air Chief Marshal Giagkos served as Staff Officer in the plans and policy branch at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium and as Commander of the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre-7, in Larissa, Greece.

From January 2007 to August 2009 Air Chief Marshal Giagkos held the post of Hellenic Air Force Chief of Staff. During this period the fighter aircraft fleet of the Greek Air Force was increased to 170, as result of the 'Peace Xenia IV' purchase program from Lockheed Martin of 30 additional F-16 Block 52+ aircraft.

On August 6, 2009, following a decision of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), he was nominated for appointment to the rank of Air Chief Marshal and the office of the Chief of National Defense General Staff. In September 2009, during discussions with Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. Admiral James Stavridis, Giagkos outlined the country's positions concerning participation of Greece in NATO peace-keeping missions as well as the present situation of the Aegean dispute. He held the post until his retirement, on 3 November 2011.

Military awards

 * Medal of Military Merit 1st Class
 * Outstanding Command Commendation Medal 1st Class.
 * Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix.
 * Grand Commander of the Order of Honour.
 * Staff Officer Commendation Medal 1st Class.
 * Formation – Major Unit Command Commendation Medal 1st Class.
 * General Staff Command Commendation Medal.
 * Star of Merit and Honour Commendation Medal.

Personal life
Air Chief Marshal Ioannis Giagkos is married and has three children.