Air Force Gen. Charles F. Wald, currently deputy commander of US European Command, piloted his last aircraft on active duty last week, receiving the celebratory hosing upon landing at Stuttgart Army Airfield in Germany. Wald, who will retire this summer, led US and coalition air forces at the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. During his 35-year career, Wald flew as a forward air controller in Vietnam and led one of the air strikes during NATO combat air operations over Bosnia; he also held numerous command positions. At the “fini” flight ceremony, Wald had the extraordinary honor of being made an honorary chief master sergeant.
President Donald Trump’s nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff touted his highly unusual background for the job as an asset and reaffirmed his commitment to stay apolitical during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 1.