General Kenneth Wilsbach Will Replace the Outgoing General David Allvin

After US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin unexpectedly announced his plans to step down just halfway into his term, President Donald Trump has turned to retiring fighter pilot Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach to fill his shoes. Allvin will remain in charge until the Senate gives its nod of approval to the nominee.

Wilsbach brings decades of operational experience to the position. Over his career, he has flown the F-15, F-16, and F-22 and has led US air operations across the Pacific and the Middle East. His resume includes time as deputy commander of US and UN forces in South Korea, as well as operations chief at US Central Command during the initial campaign against ISIS from 2014 to 2016. Most recently, Wilsbach oversaw more than 1,600 aircraft and 155,000 personnel as the head of Air Combat Command.

During his last months at Air Combat Command, Wilsbach turned heads for tightening uniform and grooming standards, reversing years of leniency on beard waivers and dress codes. Those changes closely align with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push for stricter discipline and “warrior ethos” across the US armed forces.

Following the nomination, Wilsbach commented that he intends “to build a more lethal force that is always ready to defend our homeland and deter our adversaries around the world.”

Wilsbach’s selection trails Allvin’s sudden decision to retire two years into his supposedly four-year term. Allvin’s time in the role centers on efforts to reshape how the Air Force deploys its units globally, a shift that has sparked internal debate and friction in senior ranks.

The nomination also marks the second time the Trump administration has turned to a recently retired general to fill a high-level post. Wilsbach technically remains on preretirement leave, allowing his appointment without a formal recall to active duty. His return comes after Gen. Dan Caine, the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, was also brought back from retirement earlier this year.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to hold hearings on the nomination later this month. If confirmed, Wilsbach will become the 24th Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, succeeding Allvin when his retirement takes effect on November 1.

FMI: www.af.mil