President Donald Trump has nominated Gen. Ken Wilsbach to serve as the 24th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, elevating the former Air Combat Command leader to succeed Gen. David Allvin pending Senate confirmation.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink backed the choice. “I am pleased to support the nomination of General Kenneth Wilsbach to serve as the next Chief of Staff of the Air Force,” said Meink. “He is a combat tested aviator and has the experience of leading combat forces around the globe. I have full confidence that he will make sure Airmen embody a warrior ethos and are ready to defend our nation and maintain our dominance against all adversaries. I also believe he will be a great partner to help continue advocating for the capabilities the Air Force needs not just for today, but also in the future to make sure we remain the most lethal Air Force in the world.”
Wilsbach, who recently led Air Combat Command and had been preparing to retire after nearly four decades on active duty, said he is ready to continue serving. “I’m deeply honored by the nomination to serve as the next Air Force Chief of Staff,” said Wilsbach. “The trust and confidence placed in me is not something I take lightly. If confirmed, I intend to strengthen our warrior ethos and to build a more lethal force that is always ready to defend our homeland and deter our adversaries around the world. Cindy and I have always prioritized the needs of our Airmen and their families, and we remain committed to advocating for them in this position,” he added.
A distinguished 1985 graduate of the University of Florida’s ROTC program and a U.S. Air Force Weapons School graduate, Wilsbach has commanded at the squadron, group, wing, Air Expeditionary Task Force, numbered air force, and major command levels. He has flown 71 combat missions during Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom.
Allvin, the current chief of staff, also offered his support. “I congratulate General Wilsbach on his nomination to be our next Chief of Staff,” said Allvin. “I wish him all the best and trust that he will continue the momentum and advocate for the best interests of our Airmen, today’s readiness, and modernizing our force for the future fight.”
If confirmed, Wilsbach would become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and serve as the service’s senior uniformed officer, advising civilian leaders and overseeing readiness and modernization across the Air Force. A confirmation hearing date has not yet been announced.
