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This is a complete list of four-star generals in the United States Air Force. The rank of general (or full general, or four-star general) is the highest rank normally achievable in the U.S. Air Force. It ranks above lieutenant general (three-star general) and below General of the Air Force (five-star general).

There have been 194 four-star generals in the history of the U.S. Air Force. Of these, 189 achieved that rank while on active duty, 3 were promoted after retirement, and one was promoted posthumously. Generals entered the Air Force via several paths: 60 were commissioned via the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), 49 via the aviation cadet program, 31 via Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at a civilian university, 30 via the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), 9 via AFROTC at a senior military college, 6 via Air Force Officer Training School (OTS), 4 via the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), 2 via direct commission, one via Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at a civilian university, one via the Army National Guard (ARNG), and one via 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,[1] active-duty positions held while serving at four-star rank,[2] number of years of active-duty service at four-star rank (Yrs),[3] year commissioned and source of commission,[4] number of years in commission when promoted to four-star rank (YC),[5] and other biographical notes.[6]

The list is sortable by last name, date of rank, number of years of active-duty service at four-star rank, year commissioned, and number of years in commission when promoted to four-star rank.

# Name Date of rank Position Yrs [3] Commission YC [5] Notes
1 Henry H. Arnold 19 Mar 1943   Commanding General, Army Air Forces (CG AAF), 1942–1946. 3 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 Material 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) Relieved, 1948.
4 Carl A. Spaatz 11 Mar 1945   Commanding General, U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe (CG USSAFE), 1944–1945; Commanding General, U.S. Strategic Air Forces in the Pacific (CG USASTAF), 1945; Commanding General, Army Air Forces (CG AAF), 1946–1947; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1947–1948. 3 1914 (USMA) 31 (1891–1974)
5 Hoyt S. Vandenberg 1 Oct 1947   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1947–1948; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1948–1953. 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   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1948–1950. 2 1918 (cadet) 30 (1894–1950) Died in office.
7 Nathan F. Twining 10 Oct 1950   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1950–1953; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1953–1957; Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), 1957–1960. 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   Commanding General, Strategic Air Command (CG SAC), 1948–1953; Commander, Strategic Air Command (COMSAC), 1953–1955; Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1955–1957; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1957–1961; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1961–1965. 14 1929 (cadet) 22 (1906–1990) American Independent Party nominee for U.S. Vice President, 1968.
11 Lauris Norstad 5 Jul 1952   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1951; Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander in Chief, Allied Air Forces in Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/CINCAIRCENT), 1951–1953; Air Deputy to Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (Air Deputy SHAPE), 1953–1956; Supreme Allied Commander, Europe/Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (SACEUR/USCINCEUR), 1956–1962; Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), 1962–1963. 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   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1953–1957; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1957–1961. 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) [7] 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), 1957–1964. 7 1929 (cadet) 28 (1905–1970)
19 Frank F. Everest 1 Jul 1957   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1957–1959; Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1959–1961. 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) [8] 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 (1906–1972)
24 Frederic H. Smith Jr. 1 Aug 1959   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1959–1961; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1961–1962. 3 1929 (USMA) 30 (1908–1980) Son-in-law of Navy five-star admiral Ernest J. King.
25 Truman H. Landon 28 Jun 1961   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1961–1963. 2 1928 (USMA) 33 (1905–1986)
26 William F. McKee 29 Jun 1961   Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1961–1962; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1962–1964. 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   Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCONAD), 1962–1965. 3 1929 (cadet) 33 (1907–1981)
30 Dean C. Strother 30 Jun 1962   U.S. Military Representative, NATO Military Committee (USMILREP), 1962–1965; Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCONAD), 1965–1966. 4 1931 (USMA) 31 (1908–2000)
31 Mark E. Bradley 1 Jul 1962   Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1962–1965. 3 1930 (USMA) 32 (1907–1999)
32 John P. McConnell 1 Oct 1962   Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1962–1964; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1964–1965; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1965–1969. 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   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1963–1965; Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1965–1968. 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 Jr. 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   Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1964–1967; Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1967–1968; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1968–1969; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1969–1973. 9 1938 (USMA) 26 (1915–1983) Father of Air Force four-star general Michael E. Ryan.
40 William H. Blanchard 19 Feb 1965   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1965–1966. 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   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1965–1966; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1966–1968; Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1968–1972. 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   Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCONAD), 1966–1969. 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   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1966–1968. 2 1937 (USMA) 29 (1912–1983)
48 Joseph J. Nazzaro 1 Feb 1967   Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (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–       )
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   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1968–1969; Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1969–1972; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1972–1973. 5 1938 (cadet) 30 (1916–2001)
53 George S. Brown 1 Aug 1968   Commander, Seventh Air Force, 1968–1970; Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1970–1973; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1973–1974; Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), 1974–1978. 10 1941 (USMA) 27 (1918–1978)
54 Joseph R. Holzapple 1 Feb 1969   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1969–1971. 2 1941 (cadet) 28 (1914–1973)
55 Seth J. McKee 30 Jul 1969   Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCONAD), 1969–1973; Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command/Commander, Aerospace Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCONAD/COMADC), 1973. 4 1939 (cadet) 30 (1916–       )
56 John C. Meyer 31 Jul 1969   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1969–1972; Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1972–1974. 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   Commander, Seventh Air Force, 1970–1971; Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1971–1973; Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command/Commander, Aerospace Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCONAD/COMADC), 1973–1975; Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Aerospace Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCONAD/CINCAD), 1975. 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–       )
60 John D. Lavelle 1 Aug 1971   Commander, Seventh Air Force, 1971–1972. 1 1940 (cadet) 31 (1916–1979) [9] Relieved, 1972.
61 David C. Jones 1 Sep 1971   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), 1971–1974; Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1974; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1974–1978; Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), 1978–1982. 11 1943 (cadet) 28 (1921–       )
62 John W. Vogt 7 Apr 1972   Commander, Seventh Air Force, 1972–1973; Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1973–1974; Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1974–1975. 3 1942 (cadet) 30 (1920–       )
63 Russell E. Dougherty 1 May 1972   Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1972–1974; Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1974–1977. 5 1943 (cadet) 29 (1920–2007) 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) [10]
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 Timothy F. O'Keefe 1973   Commander, Seventh Air Force, 1973–1974. 1 1940 (cadet) 33 (1919–1984)
66 George J. Eade 18 Apr 1973   Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1973–1975. 2 1942 (cadet) 31 (1921–       )
67 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.
68 Richard H. Ellis 30 Sep 1973   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1973–1975; Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1975–1977; Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1977–1981. 8 1942 (cadet) 31 (1919–1989) U.S. Commissioner for the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Standing Consultative Commission, 1982–1989.
69 Robert J. Dixon 1 Oct 1973   Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1973–1978. 5 1942 (RCAF) 31 (1920–2003) [11]
70 Louis L. Wilson Jr. 1 Jul 1974   Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1974–1977. 3 1943 (USMA) 31 (1919–       )
71 Louis T. Seith 1 Aug 1974   Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1974–1977. 3 1943 (USMA) 31 (1921–2007)
72 William V. McBride 1 Sep 1974   Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1974–1975; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1975–1978. 4 1942 (cadet) 32 (1922–       )
73 William J. Evans 30 Aug 1975   Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1975–1977; Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1977–1978. 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–       )
75 Daniel James Jr. 1 Sep 1975   Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Aerospace Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCAD), 1975–1977. 2 1943 (cadet) 32 (1920–1978)
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–       )
79 Lew Allen Jr. 31 Jul 1977   Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1977–1978; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1978; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1978–1982. 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   Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command/Commander in Chief, Aerospace Defense Command (CINCNORAD/CINCAD), 1977–1979; Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command (CINCNORAD), 1979. 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–       )
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   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1978–1980. 2 1944 (cadet) 34 (1923–       )
86 John W. Pauly 1 Aug 1978   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1978–1980. 2 1945 (USMA) 33 (1923–       )
87 Bennie L. Davis 1 Apr 1979   Commander, Air Training Command (COMATC), 1979–1981; Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1981–1985. 6 1950 (USMA) 29 (1928–       )
88 William Y. Smith 1 Jul 1979   Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1979–1981; Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1981–1983. 4 1948 (USMA) 31 (1925–       )
89 Robert C. Mathis 1 Mar 1980   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1980–1982. 2 1948 (USMA) 32 (1927–       )
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–       ) [12]
91 Charles A. Gabriel 1 Aug 1980   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1980–1982; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1982–1986. 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–       )
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–       )
94 James P. Mullins 1 Aug 1981   Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1981–1984. 3 1949 (cadet) 32 (1928–       )
95 James V. Hartinger 1 Oct 1981   Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command (CINCNORAD), 1980–1981; Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command (CINCNORAD), 1981–1982; North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CINCNORAD/COMAFSPC), 1982–1984. 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   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1982–1984. 2 1949 (cadet) 33 (1926–2005)
98 Andrew P. Iosue 1 Jul 1983   Commander, Air Training Command (COMATC), 1983–1986. 3 1951 (AFROTC) 32 (1927–       )
99 James E. Dalton 1 Aug 1983   Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1983–1985. 2 1954 (USMA) 29 (1930–       )
100 Lawrence A. Skantze 6 Oct 1983   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1983–1984; Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1984–1987. 4 1952 (USNA) 31 (1928–       )
101 Larry D. Welch 1 Aug 1984   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1984–1985; Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1985–1986; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1986–1990. 6 1953 (cadet) 31 (1934–       ) President, Institute for Defense Analyses, 1990–2003, 2006–present.
102 Robert T. Herres 1 Aug 1984   Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CINCNORAD/COMAFSPC), 1984–1985; Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE/COMAFSPC), 1985–1986; Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE), 1986–1987; Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), 1987–1990. 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–       )
104 Charles L. Donnelly Jr. 1 Nov 1984   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1984–1987. 3 1952 (cadet) 32 (1929–1994)
105 Earl T. O'Loughlin 1 Nov 1984   Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1984–1987. 3 1952 (cadet) 32 (1930–       )
* James H. Doolittle 4 Apr 1985   (retired) 0 1918 (cadet) 67 (1896–1993) [13] 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) [14] 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   Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1985–1986; Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1986–1991. 6 1956 (AFROTC) 29 (1934–       ) U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Politico-Military Affairs, 1984–1985.
108 John L. Piotrowski 1 Aug 1985   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1985–1987; Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE), 1987–1990. 5 1954 (cadet) 31 (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–       )
110 Robert H. Reed 1 Jul 1986   Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1986–1988. 2 1953 (cadet) 33 (1929–       )
111 Thomas C. Richards 1 Dec 1986   Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1986–1989. 3 1956 (VPI) 30 (1930–       ) 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 (1931–       )
113 Monroe W. Hatch Jr. 29 Jan 1987   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1987–1990. 3 1951 (USNA) 36 (1933–       )
114 William L. Kirk 1 May 1987   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1987–1989. 2 1954 (cadet) 33 (1932–       )
115 Bernard P. Randolph 1 Aug 1987   Commander, Air Force Systems Command (COMAFSC), 1987–1990. 3 1956 (cadet) 31 (1933–       )
116 Alfred G. Hansen 1 Aug 1987   Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC), 1987–1989. 2 1955 (cadet) 32 (1933–       )
117 John A. Shaud 1 Jul 1988   Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1988–1991. 3 1956 (USMA) 32 (1933–       )
118 Merrill A. McPeak 1 Aug 1988   Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1988–1990; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1990–1994. 6 1957 (AFROTC) 31 (1936–       )
119 Michael J. Dugan 1 May 1989   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1989–1990; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1990. 1 1958 (USMA) 31 (1937–       ) Relieved, 1990.
120 James P. McCarthy 1 Oct 1989   Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1989–1992. 3 1957 (AFROTC) 32 (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 (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–       )
123 Donald J. Kutyna 1 Apr 1990   Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE), 1990–1992; Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE/COMAFSPC), 1992. 2 1957 (USMA) 33 (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 (1938–       )
125 John M. Loh 1 Jun 1990   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1990–1991; Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC), 1991–1992; Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 1992–1995. 5 1960 (USAFA) 30 (1938–       )
126 Robert C. Oaks 1 Jul 1990   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAAFCE), 1990–1993; Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAIRCENT), 1993–1994. 4 1959 (USAFA) 31 (1936–       )
127 George L. Butler 25 Jan 1991   Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), 1991–1992; Commander in Chief, U.S. Strategic Command (USCINCSTRAT), 1992–1994. 3 1961 (USAFA) 30 (1939–       )
128 Jimmie V. Adams 13 Feb 1991   Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF), 1991–1993. 2 1958 (AFROTC) 33 (1936–       )
129 Michael P.C. Carns 16 May 1991   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1991–1994. 3 1959 (USAFA) 32 (1937–       ) [15]
130 James B. Davis 24 Jul 1991   Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (COFS SHAPE), 1991–1993. 2 1958 (USNA) 33 (1935–       )
131 Charles A. Horner 1 Jul 1992   Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE/COMAFSPC), 1992–1994. 2 1958 (AFROTC) 34 (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 (1942–       )
133 Charles G. Boyd 1 Dec 1992   Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1992–1995. 3 1960 (cadet) 32 (1938–       )
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 (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–       )
136 Thomas S. Moorman Jr. 1 Aug 1994   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1994–1997. 3 1962 (AFROTC) 32 (1940–       )
137 James L. Jamerson 1 Sep 1994   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAIRCENT), 1994–1995; Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 1995–1998. 4 1963 (USAFA) 31 (1941–       )
138 Joseph W. Ashy 13 Sep 1994   Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE/COMAFSPC), 1994–1996. 2 1962 (Texas A&M) 32 (1940–       )
139 John G. Lorber 12 Oct 1994   Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 1994–1997. 3 1964 (USAFA) 30 (1941–       )
140 Billy J. Boles 1 Jul 1995   Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC), 1995–1997. 2 1962 (AFROTC) 33 (1938–       )
141 Joseph W. Ralston 1 Jul 1995   Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 1995–1996; Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), 1996–2000; Supreme Allied Commander, Europe/Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command (SACEUR/USCINCEUR), 2000–2003. 8 1965 (AFROTC) 30 (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   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAIRCENT), 1995–1996; Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 1996–1999. 1 1964 (USAFA) 31 (1942–       )
143 Eugene E. Habiger 1 Mar 1996   Commander in Chief, U.S. Strategic Command (USCINCSTRAT), 1996–1998. 2 1963 (OTS) 33 (1939–       ) Director of Security and Emergency Operations, U.S. Department of Energy, 1999–2001.
144 Michael E. Ryan 4 Apr 1996   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAIRCENT), 1996–1997; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 1997–2001. 5 1965 (USAFA) 31 (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 (1942–       )
146 Howell M. Estes III 1 Oct 1996   Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE/COMAFSPC), 1996–1998. 2 1965 (USAFA) 31 (1941–       ) Son of Air Force four-star general Howell M. Estes Jr.
147 Lloyd W. Newton 1 Apr 1997   Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC), 1997–2000. 3 1966 (AFROTC) 31 (1942–       )
148 George T. Babbitt Jr. 1 Jun 1997   Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 1997–2000. 3 1965 (AFROTC) 32 (1942–       ) Director, Defense Logistics Agency, 1996–1997.
149 Ralph E. Eberhart 1 Aug 1997   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1997–1999; Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 1999–2000; Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE/COMAFSPC), 2000–2002; Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Northern Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCNORTH), 2002; Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander, U.S. Northern Command (CDRNORAD/CDRUSNORTHCOM), 2002–2004. 7 1968 (USAFA) 29 (1946–       )
150 Richard B. Myers 1 Sep 1997   Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 1997–1998; Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander in Chief, U.S. Space Command/Commander, Air Force Space Command (CINCNORAD/USCINCSPACE/COMAFSPC), 1998–2000; Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), 2000–2001; Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), 2001–2005. 8 1965 (AFROTC) 32 (1942–       ) 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–       ) 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   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAIRCENT), 1997–2000; Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2000–2001; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 2001–2005. 8 1966 (VMI) 31 (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 (1946–       )
154 Patrick K. Gamble 1 Oct 1998   Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 1998–2001. 3 1967 (Texas A&M) 31 (1945–       )
* Benjamin O. Davis Jr. 9 Dec 1998   (retired) 0 1936 (USMA) 62 (1912–2002) [16] 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   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 1999–2000; Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2000–2003. 4 1968 (AFROTC) 31 (1946–       ) Director, Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, 1996–1999.
156 Gregory S. Martin 1 Jun 2000   Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Northern Europe (CINCUSAFE/COMAIRNORTH), 2000–2002; Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Northern Europe (COMUSAFE/COMAIRNORTH), 2002–2003; Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2003–2005. 5 1970 (USAFA) 30 (1948–       ) [17]
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 (1944–       )
158 Hal M. Hornburg 1 Aug 2000   Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC), 2000–2001; Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2001–2004. 4 1968 (Texas A&M) 32 (1945–       )
159 Charles R. Holland 1 Dec 2000   Commander in Chief, U.S. Special Operations Command (USCINCSOC), 2000–2002; Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (CDRUSSOCOM), 2002–2003. 3 1968 (USAFA) 32 (1946–       )
160 William J. Begert 1 May 2001   Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 2001–2004. 3 1968 (USAFA) 33 (1946–       )
161 Robert H. Foglesong 5 Nov 2001   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2001–2003; Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Allied Air Forces Northern Europe (COMUSAFE/COMAIRNORTH), 2003–2004; Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (COMUSAFE), 2004–2005. 4 1972 (AFROTC) 29 (1945–       ) President, Mississippi State University, 2006–2008.
162 Donald G. Cook 17 Dec 2001   Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC), 2001–2005. 4 1969 (AFROTC) 32 (1946–       )
163 Lance W. Lord 19 Apr 2002   Commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), 2002–2006. 4 1968 (AFROTC) 34 (1946–       )
164 Charles F. Wald 1 Jan 2003   Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command (DCINCEUR), 2002–2006. 4 1971 (AFROTC) 32 (1948–       )
165 T. Michael Moseley 1 Oct 2003   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2003–2005; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 2005–2008. 5 1971 (Texas A&M) 32 (1949–       ) Resigned, 2008.
166 Paul V. Hester 1 Aug 2004   Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 2004–2007. 3 1971 (AFROTC) 33 (1947–       )
167 Michael V. Hayden 21 Apr 2005   Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI), 2005–2006; Director, Central Intelligence Agency (DCIA), 2006–2009. 3 1969 (AFROTC) 36 (1945–       )[18] Director, National Security Agency, 1999–2005.
168 Ronald E. Keys 27 May 2005   Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2005–2007. 2 1967 (AFROTC) 38 (1945–       )
169 William R. Looney III 1 Aug 2005   Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC), 2005–2008. 3 1972 (USAFA) 33 (1949–       )
170 Bruce Carlson 1 Sep 2005   Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2005–2008. 3 1971 (AFROTC) 34 (1949–       ) Director, National Reconnaissance Office, 2009–present.
171 Norton A. Schwartz 1 Oct 2005   Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (CDRUSTRANSCOM), 2005–2008; Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (CSAF), 2008–present. 5 1973 (USAFA) 32 (1951–       )
172 John D.W. Corley 1 Nov 2005   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2005–2007; Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2007–2009. 4 1973 (USAFA) 32 (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 (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–present. 5 1974 (USAFA) 31 (1952–       )
175 William T. Hobbins 1 Feb 2006   Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Air Component Command, Ramstein/Director, Joint Air Power Competence Center (COMUSAFE/COMAIR-COM Ramstein/DIRJAPCC), 2005–2007. 2 1969 (OTS) 37 (1946–       )
176 Kevin P. Chilton 26 Jun 2006   Commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), 2006–2007; Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (CDRUSSTRATCOM), 2007–present. 4 1976 (USAFA) 30 (1954–       ) First astronaut to attain rank of general.
177 Victor E. Renuart Jr. 23 Mar 2007   Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command/Commander, U.S. Northern Command (CDRNORAD/CDRUSNORTHCOM), 2007–present. 3 1972 (OTS) 35 (1949–       )
178 Arthur J. Lichte 7 Sep 2007   Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2007–2009. 2 1971 (AFROTC) 36 (1949–       )
179 C. Robert Kehler 12 Oct 2007   Commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), 2007–present. 3 1975 (AFROTC) 32 (1952–       )
180 Carrol H. Chandler 30 Nov 2007   Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 2007–2009; Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2009–present. 3 1974 (USAFA) 33 (1952–       )
181 Roger A. Brady 9 Jan 2008   Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Air Component Command, Ramstein/Director, Joint Air Power Competence Center (COMUSAFE/COMAIR-COM Ramstein/DIRJAPCC), 2008–present. 2 1968 (AFROTC) 40 (1946–       )
182 Stephen R. Lorenz 2 Jul 2008   Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC), 2008–present. 2 1973 (USAFA) 35 (1951–       )
183 William M. Fraser III 9 Oct 2008   Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force (VCSAF), 2008–2009; Commander, Air Combat Command (COMACC), 2009–present. 2 1974 (Texas A&M) 34 (1952–       )[19]
184 Craig R. McKinley 17 Nov 2008   Chief, National Guard Bureau (CNGB), 2008–present. 2 1974 (AFROTC) 34 (1952–       )
185 Donald J. Hoffman 21 Nov 2008   Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC), 2008–present. 2 1974 (USAFA) 34 (1952–       )
186 Douglas M. Fraser 25 Jun 2009   Commander, U.S. Southern Command (CDRUSSOUTHCOM), 2009–present. 1 1975 (USAFA) 34 (1953–       )
187 Gary L. North 19 Aug 2009   Commander, Pacific Air Forces (COMPACAF), 2009–present. 1 1976 (AFROTC) 33 (19??–       )
188 Raymond E. Johns, Jr. 20 Nov 2009   Commander, Air Mobility Command (COMAMC), 2009–present. 1 1977 (USAFA) 32 (1954–       )
189 Mark A. Welsh III   Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Commander, Air Component Command, Ramstein/Director, Joint Air Power Competence Center (COMUSAFE/COMAIR-COM Ramstein/DIRJAPCC).[20] 0 1976 (USAFA) 34 (1953–       )
190 Edward A. Rice Jr.   Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC)[21] 0 1978 (USAFA) 32 (1956–       )

Timeline[]

Four-star positions[]

1940 - present[]

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.[22] 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.[23]

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 (VCJCS) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Other joint four-star positions have included unified combatant commanders and certain NATO staff positions.

Edward A. Rice, Jr.Mark A. Welsh IIIRaymond E. Johns, Jr.Gary L. NorthDouglas M. FraserDonald J. HoffmanCraig R. McKinleyWilliam M. Fraser IIIStephen R. LorenzRoger A. BradyCarrol H. ChandlerC. Robert KehlerArthur J. LichteVictor E. Renuart, Jr.Kevin P. ChiltonWilliam T. HobbinsDuncan J. McNabbLance L. SmithJohn D.W. CorleyNorton A. SchwartzBruce CarlsonWilliam R. Looney IIIRonald E. KeysMichael V. HaydenPaul V. HesterT. Michael MoseleyCharles F. WaldLance W. LordDonald G. Cook (general)Robert H. FoglesongWilliam J. BegertCharles R. HollandHal M. HornburgJohn W. HandyGregory S. MartinLester L. LylesPatrick K. GambleCharles T. Robertson, Jr.John P. JumperJohn A. GordonRichard B. MyersRalph E. EberhartGeorge T. Babbitt, Jr.Lloyd W. NewtonHowell M. Estes IIIWalter KrossMichael E. RyanEugene E. HabigerRichard E. HawleyJoseph W. RalstonBilly J. BolesJohn G. LorberJoseph W. AshyJames L. JamersonThomas S. Moorman, Jr.Robert L. RutherfordHenry Viccellio, Jr.Charles G. BoydRonald R. FoglemanCharles A. HornerJames B. DavisMichael P.C. CarnsJimmie V. AdamsGeorge L. ButlerRobert C. OaksJohn M. LohRonald W. YatesDonald Y. KutynaCharles C. McDonaldHansford T. JohnsonJames P. McCarthyMichael J. DuganMerrill A. McPeakJohn A. ShaudAlfred G. HansenBernard P. RandolphWilliam L. KirkMonroe W. Hatch, Jr.Jack I. GregoryThomas C. RichardsRobert H. ReedDuane H. CassidyJohn L. PiotrowskiJohn T. Chain, Jr.Robert D. RussEarl T. O'LoughlinCharles L. Donnelly, Jr.Robert W. BazleyRobert T. HerresLarry D. WelchLawrence A. SkantzeJames E. DaltonAndrew P. IosueBilly M. MinterJerome F. O'MalleyJames V. HartingerJames P. MullinsThomas M. Ryan, Jr.Robert T. MarshCharles A. GabrielRichard L. LawsonRobert C. MathisWilliam Y. SmithBennie L. DavisJohn W. PaulyJames A. HillWilbur L. CreechAlton D. SlayBryce Poe IIJames E. HillJames R. AllenLew Allen, Jr.William G. Moore, Jr.John W. RobertsRobert E. HuyserDaniel James, Jr.F. Michael RogersWilliam J. EvansWilliam V. McBrideLouis T. SeithLouis L. Wilson, Jr.Robert J. DixonRichard H. EllisSamuel C. PhillipsGeorge J. EadeTimothy F. O'KeefePaul K. CarltonGeorge B. SimlerRussell E. DoughertyJohn W. VogtDavid C. JonesJohn D. LavelleTheodore R. MiltonLucius D. Clay, Jr.Jack J. CattonJohn C. MeyerSeth J. McKeeJoseph R. HolzappleGeorge S. BrownHorace M. WadeJack G. MerrellWilliam W. MomyerThomas Patrick GerrityJoseph J. NazzaroMaurice A. PrestonDavid A. BurchinalJames Ferguson (general)Raymond J. ReevesWilliam S. StoneBruce K. HollowayKenneth B. HobsonWilliam H. BlanchardJohn D. RyanHowell M. Estes, Jr.Hunter Harris, Jr.Gabriel P. DisoswayJoe W. KellyJacob E. SmartRobert M. LeeJohn P. McConnellMark E. BradleyDean C. StrotherJohn K. GerhartBernard A. SchrieverWalter C. Sweeney, Jr.William F. McKeeTruman H. LandonFrederic H. Smith, Jr.Emmett O'Donnell, Jr.Samuel E. AndersonCharles P. CabellLeon W. JohnsonFrank F. EverestThomas S. PowerLaurence S. KuterOrval R. CookEarle E. PartridgeEdwin W. RawlingsThomas D. WhiteOtto P. WeylandLauris NorstadCurtis E. LeMayBenjamin W. ChidlawJohn K. CannonNathan F. TwiningMuir S. FairchildHoyt S. VandenbergCarl A. SpaatzGeorge C. KenneyJoseph T. McNarneyHenry H. Arnold

Notes[]

  1. Dates of rank are taken, where available, from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force registers of active and retired commissioned officers, or from the World Almanac and Book of Facts. The date listed is that of the officer's first promotion to general.
  2. Positions listed are those held by the officer when promoted to general. Dates listed are for the officer's full tenure, which may predate promotion to four-star rank or postdate retirement from active duty.
  3. 3.0 3.1 The number of years of active-duty service at four-star rank is approximated by subtracting the year in the "Date of rank" column from the last year in the "Position" column. Time spent between active-duty four-star assignments is not counted, nor is time spent on special duty as an unassigned general of the Army or general of the Air Force.
  4. Sources of commission are listed in parentheses after the year of commission and include: the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA); the United States Military Academy (USMA); the United States Naval Academy (USNA); Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at a civilian university; Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at a civilian university; ROTC or AFROTC at a senior military college such as Texas A&M University (Texas A&M), the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI); Air Force Officer Training School (OTS); Officer Candidate School (OCS); the aviation cadet program (cadet); the Army National Guard (ARNG); the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF); and direct commission (direct).
  5. 5.0 5.1 The number of years in commission before being promoted to four-star rank is approximated by subtracting the year in the "Commission" column from the year in the "Date of rank" column.
  6. Notes include years of birth and death; awards of the Medal of Honor, Congressional Gold Medal, Presidential Medal of Freedom, or honors of similar significance; major government appointments; university presidencies or equivalents; familial relationships with other four-star officers or significant government officials such as U.S. Presidents, cabinet secretaries, U.S. Senators, or state governors; and unusual career events such as premature relief or death in office.
  7. Nomination as Chairman, Civil Aeronautics Board withdrawn, 1948.
  8. Retired as general, 31 Jul 1961; recalled as general, Sep 1961; retired as general, 30 Apr 1965.
  9. Relieved, Apr 1972, and retired as major general.
  10. Appointed Commander, Military Airlift Command (COMAC), effective 12 Sep 1972; died in air crash, 9 Sep 1972; posthumously promoted to general with date of rank 16 Aug 1972.
  11. Transferred from Royal Canadian Air Force, 1943.
  12. Transferred from Army National Guard, 1952.
  13. Transferred from Signal Corps Reserve, 1920; resigned, 1930; recalled 1940; reverted to inactive reserve, 1946; retired as lieutenant general, Feb 1959; advanced to general on the retired list, 4 Apr 1985.
  14. Retired as major general, Aug 1947; advanced to lieutenant general on the retired list, 29 Jun 1948; advanced to general on the retired list, 26 Apr 1985.
  15. Nomination as Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) withdrawn, 1995.
  16. Retired as lieutenant general, Feb 1970; advanced to general on the retired list, 9 Dec 1998.
  17. Nomination as Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (CDRUSPACOM) withdrawn, 2004.
  18. Retired as general, 01 Jul 2008; remained Director, Central Intelligence Agency (DCIA) as civilian.
  19. Nomination as Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (CDRUSTRANSCOM) withdrawn, 2008.
  20. [1] Welsh's official Air Force bio states that his next assignment will be as the next Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander, Air Component Command, Ramstein and Director, Joint Air Power Competence Center.
  21. Confirmed for assignment as Commander, Air Education and Training Command.[2]
  22. 10 USC 601. "Positions of importance and responsibility: generals and lieutenant generals; admirals and vice admirals". http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/casecode/uscodes/10/subtitles/a/parts/ii/chapters/35/sections/section_601.html. 
  23. 10 USC 525. "Distribution of commissioned officers on active duty in general officer and flag officer grades". http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/casecode/uscodes/10/subtitles/a/parts/ii/chapters/32/sections/section_525.html. 

References[]

  • United States Air Force (1951-1970, 1972, 1974, 1979). "Air Force Register". Department of the Air Force. 
  • "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". World Almanac Education Group, Inc.. 1946-1947, 1977, 1981, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 2004, 2006. 

See also[]

All or a portion of this article consists of text from Wikipedia, and is therefore Creative Commons Licensed under GFDL.
The original article can be found at List of United States Air Force four-star generals and the edit history here.
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