Gen. Frank Gorenc assumed command of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa during a ceremony at Ramstein AB, Germany. He also became the head of NATO’s Allied Air Command. “He is made of 100 percent pure leadership and there is no one better for this job,” said Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh of Gorenc during the Aug. 2 ceremony. Welsh presided over the event. Gorenc, who previously served as the Air Force’s assistant vice chief of staff, filled the leadership vacancy at USAFE-AFAFRICA created when Gen. Philip Breedlove departed in May to head US European Command and be NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “To the men and women of air forces in Europe, Africa, and NATO, I want you to know this is a huge moment for me,” said Gorenc, who received a fourth star for his new jobs. “I am grateful to a country that gave me every opportunity to succeed.” (Ramstein report by TSgt. Benjamin Wilson) (See also NATO release)
Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost—a trailblazer and one of the first 10 women to reach a four-star rank across the U.S. military—retired and passed control of U.S. Transportation Command to Air Force Gen. Randall Reed on Oct. 4, finishing an eventful tenure at TRANSCOM.