New commander takes the helm at Air Mobility Command

Scott Air Force Base, Ill. — Lt. Gen. Daniel H. Tulley assumed command of Air Mobility Command on Aug. 3 in a ceremony presided over by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach.

“Recent operations like Absolute Resolve and Epic Fury have reminded us that airlift, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and global logistics are not simply supporting functions,” Wilsbach said. “They create options for our nation’s leaders, provide freedom of action for combatant commanders, and make the employment of military power possible. In every sense of the word, they enable maneuver.”

Wilsbach also recognized Lt. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, who had been serving as interim commander, for her stewardship of the organization during recent operations. “These accomplishments speak for themselves, but they reflect something more important than operational success,” Wilsbach said. “They reveal a leader who built trust across the enterprise, and ensured every organization understood both its mission and its role in achieving a common objective. I know that a source of inspiration for you, Reba, is the people you serve with every day, and I am so grateful for your steadfast leadership during combat operations. Thank you for your vision, professionalism, and dedication to the command and to our Airmen.”

Gen. Randall Reed, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, highlighted Tulley’s operational and policy experience during his remarks. “The expectations are high, but you are well prepared,” Reed said. “General Dan Tulley is a proven leader having commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels. Equally as important, his experience in strategy and policy, demonstrating his ability to understand the evolving strategic environment, and he is clear-eyed about the need to deliver solutions to meet national objectives and to be my air component commander.”

Before taking the helm at AMC, Tulley led Air University, overseeing the Air Force’s hub for professional military education, leadership development, research, and outreach. In that role, he was responsible for programs serving more than 50,000 resident students and 120,000 non-resident learners annually across the officer, enlisted, and civilian force.

In his first remarks as commander, Tulley emphasized AMC’s role alongside combatant commands and its responsibility to sustain the joint force. “AMC today reflects no single leader; it reflects generations of professional warriors united by a commitment to the nation, the joint force, and to answer the call,” Tulley said. “AMC is a warfighting command – we plan, integrate, and fight alongside every combatant command. We shape the plan, set the force, sustain the campaign, and preserve freedom of maneuver for joint force commanders. When the mission is complete, we bring that force home.”

Tulley now leads a Total Force team of roughly 107,000 Airmen and more than 1,100 aircraft. Through airlift, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and a global mobility support network, AMC provides the Rapid Global Mobility that allows the joint force to deploy, sustain, and maneuver combat power worldwide.