Page 6 - Aerotech News and Review – November 21 2025

6 November 21, 2025
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Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach sworn in as 24th Air Force Chief of Staff
aEROTECH NEWS
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
Gen. Ken Wilsbach was sworn into of- fice as the 24th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, Nov. 3.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink administered the oath of office. Wilsbach was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Oct. 30 by unanimous consent.
“I want to welcome General Wilsbach as the 24th Chief of Staff of the Air Force,” said Meink. “With his vast experience in the Pacific and as a commander at all levels, he is the right leader for the Air Force. I also want to thank his wife Cindy for standing by his side throughout his ca- reer, and I look forward to their continued support and advocacy for our Airmen and their families.”
Wilsbach, nominated by President Donald Trump in September 2025, for- merly commanded Air Combat Com- mand, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. He succeeds Gen. David Allvin.
As the Air Force’s seniormost officer, the CSAF is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping nearly 665,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of
Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Stuart Bright
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, left, swears in Gen. Ken Wilsbach as the new Chief of Staff of the Air Force at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Nov. 3, 2025. Cindy Wilsbach joined her husband during the ceremony.
Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Stuart Bright
Gen. Ken Wilsbach signs the historic Bible used by each Air Force Chief of Staff at their swearing in ceremony. Wilsbach became the 24th CSAF on Nov. 3, 2025.
to maintain readiness, invest in modern- ization and solidify warrior culture.
“Every Airman, no matter their spe- cialty, contributes to the generation of airpower to support the joint fight,” he said. “From the flightline to the cockpit, from logistics to networks, every part of our Air Force delivers combat power. Together, we afford our nation the ability to deter aggression and when necessary, to fight and win.”
Staff, Wilsbach and other service chiefs function as military advisers to the Sec- retary of War, National Security Council and the President.
In September, after his nomination, Wilsbach shared his intent to strengthen
warrior ethos, build a more lethal force and advocate for Airmen and their fami- lies.
In a letter to the force, Wilsbach shared his vision of Airmen’s enduring purpose: “Fly. Fix. Fight.” He also stressed the need
Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe named 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
Secretary of the Air Force
Public Affairs
Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe was selected as the 21st Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force on Nov. 6. His valuable experience and proven perfor- mance make him a key addition to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach’s leadership team.
“Chief Wolfe has been my wingman, adviser and confidant for multiple command assign-
ments,” said Wilsbach. “Cindy and I are delighted to have Dave and Doniel alongside us as we lead the Air Force. Their passion for Airmen and their families is second to none.”
Wolfe’s most recent assign- ment before this new position was Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Combat Com- mand, Joint Base Langley-Eu- stis, Virginia. There, he served as the principal advisor to Wils- bach and ACC staff on issues
impacting the well-being, mo- rale, and optimal employment of all personnel.
Chief Wolfe’s career began in February 1992, encompassing a diverse range of specialties. His experience spans missile secu- rity, elite guard duty, protective services, and space warning se- curity, demonstrating his com- mitment to national security. He possesses expertise in training and standardization evalua- tion, security forces operations,
logistics, and professional mili- tary education, ensuring a well- rounded skill set.
“The selection of Chief Wolfe as our 21st Chief Master Ser- geant of the Air Force is the right decision during this critical time for the Air Force,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “I know that he will continue to serve and advocate for Airmen and their families.”
As with previous CMSAFs, Wolfe will serve as the public
voice for Air Force personnel to all levels of government. He will also act as an advisor to Wils- bach and other senior military and civilian leaders, providing counsel on issues concerning the welfare, readiness, morale, utilization, and professional development of the Air Force’s Airmen.
As a leader, Wolfe will set the course for the Total Force and serve as a dedicated advocate for all Airmen.
WALL, from Page 3 ____________
Key volunteers and organizers of the AV Wall project were recognized by city, Los Angeles County, state, and congres- sional leadership, including Linda and Steve Willis, founding organizers; Stacia Nemeth, volunteer coordinator; and retired Palmdale Parks and Recreation official Annie Pagliaro.
Air Force veteran Augie Anderson was the AV (CALFIRE), “Gold Star” son, with his brother Richard Kenneth Carter, one of the 58,000-plus names of the Vietnam dead on the memorial. Anderson became overcome with emotion describing his experience helping with the AV Wall as a way to honor his brother and all those killed in the war that began for Ameri- cans in 1955 and ended in 1975.
“The AV Wall Board and Committee
members are showing our age,” recollects Bertell who served as a combat infantry- man with 101st Airborne in 1970-71, 55 years ago. “The AV Wall itself is showing its age.”
The governing spirit of building, maintaining, transporting and staging the AV Wall has been “Most walls keep people apart. This ‘Wall’ brings people together,” Bertell said during Final Salute ceremonies.
The project has been a labor of love for hundreds of volunteers. On Tuesday night, “Taps” was played for the last time by Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Gerald Lockwood, Ret. Lockwood has played “Taps” nightly at AV Wall presentations for more than 10 years.
“The AV Wall Board is grateful to everyone who donated, created, traveled, hosted and cared for the Mobile Vietnam
Memorial Wall the past 20 years,” Bertell observed. “It was a wonderful journey.”
Part of the Final Salute ceremonies featured Joe Ramos, who until November 1 served as chief executive of the National Vietnam 50th Year Commemorative, a dedicated Department of Defense activ- ity.
Ramos, a retired Army officer who served in Iraq, said that the Antelope Valley Wall represented the most com- prehensive and updated listings of any of the “traveling tribute walls,” of which there have been only five nationally, with the AV Wall the only West Coast-based initiative.
Ramos, too young to have served in the Vietnam War, said that it was Viet- nam War veterans who trained him and inspired his commitment to service. He also said it was Vietnam veterans who
made Americans understand that they must never again disparage veterans regardless of whether the war fought was politically controversial.
“You did that,” Ramos said. “God bless you, and thank you.”
When it is disassembled for the last time today (Wednesday Nov. 12) panels will be distributed to Gold Star families who lost a loved one in service, also to local veterans organizations, and busi- nesses with a community connection to the military, and for display in govern- ment offices.
The custom panel dedicated to the “AV 76,” the 76 young men from the Antelope Valley who were killed during the Viet- nam War will be donated to the Antelope Valley Rural History Museum at the AV Fairgrounds where it can be displayed in the museum’s military gallery.