Goldfein Steps in As Welsh Steps Down

June 27, 2016 | By Will Skowronski

The retirement of Gen. Mark Welsh, whose Active Duty career officially ends July 1, means the presumptive 21st Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein is now USAF’s most senior uniformed officer. The Air Force will not appoint an “acting” Chief of Staff. Since Goldfein currently serves as the service’s vice chief of staff, under Title 10 of the US Code he will perform the duties of Chief of Staff until a successor is appointed, officials told Air Force Magazine. However, Goldfein is expected to be appointed shortly, after receiving support during his June 15 nomination hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

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