Carlton D. Everhart II

Carlton D. Everhart II is a retired general of the United States Air Force. He culminated his distinguished career as the commander of Air Mobility Command, overseeing all airlift, aerial refueling, and aeromedical evacuation forces for the U.S. Department of Defense. His service spanned multiple combat operations, including the Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, and Iraq War, and he held key leadership roles in major Air Force commands.

Early life and education

Carlton D. Everhart II was born in Martinsville, Virginia. He received his commission in 1989 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He furthered his military education at the Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and the Air War College. Everhart also holds a Master of Arts in human resource development from Webster University.

Military career

Everhart began his career as a C-141 Starlifter pilot, with early assignments at Charleston Air Force Base and McGuire Air Force Base. He flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and later transitioned to the C-17 Globemaster III. He commanded the 17th Airlift Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base and later served as the vice commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. His operational leadership continued as commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia during the Iraq War.

Following promotion to brigadier general, he served as director of plans, programs, and requirements for Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base. He then commanded the United States Air Force Expeditionary Center, the Air Force's center for expeditionary combat support training and education. As a lieutenant general, he led the 618th Air Operations Center, the planning and execution hub for global air mobility. In 2016, he was promoted to general and assumed command of Air Mobility Command, responsible for a fleet of nearly 1,100 aircraft and 130,000 personnel across Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard components.

Post-military career and awards

Upon his retirement from the United States Air Force in 2020, Everhart transitioned to the private sector. He has served on the board of directors for the Air Force Association and as a senior advisor for aerospace and defense matters. His military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and two awards of the Legion of Merit. He is also a recipient of the Order of the Sword from the Air Mobility Command Non-commissioned officer corps.

Personal life

General Everhart is married and has two children. He is an active supporter of veterans' organizations, including the Air Force Aid Society and the Fisher House Foundation. His personal interests include aviation history and mentoring junior officers.