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David L. Goldfein

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Article Genealogy
Parent: United States Air Force Academy Hop 4
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David L. Goldfein
NameDavid L. Goldfein
CaptionGeneral David L. Goldfein
Birth date24 October 1959
Birth placeWest Point, New York, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States
Serviceyears1983–2020
RankGeneral
CommandsChief of Staff of the United States Air Force United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa United States Air Force Warfare Center First Fighter Wing 555th Fighter Squadron
BattlesGulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War
AwardsDefense Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart

David L. Goldfein is a retired general of the United States Air Force who served as the 21st Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. A highly decorated command pilot with extensive combat experience, his career spanned key leadership roles during pivotal conflicts and organizational transformations. His tenure as Chief of Staff was marked by a focus on revitalizing squadrons, advancing multi-domain operations, and modernizing the Air Force's nuclear and space enterprises.

Early life and education

Born on October 24, 1959, at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, he is the son of a career Army officer. He spent his formative years on various military posts, including assignments in West Germany during the Cold War. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in public policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and is a graduate of the National War College.

Military career

Following Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base, he was assigned to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. His operational career included assignments with the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea and the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base. A seasoned combat aviator, he flew missions during Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 1991, during the Gulf War, he was shot down over western Iraq while flying an F-16C and was rescued by Air Force Pararescue and Army Special Forces personnel, an experience for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.

His command assignments included leadership of the 555th Fighter Squadron, the First Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, and the United States Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base. He also served as the Director of Operations for United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base. He attained general officer rank and commanded United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force prior to his appointment as Chief of Staff.

Chief of Staff of the Air Force

Nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate, he assumed the role of Chief of Staff on July 1, 2016, succeeding General Mark A. Welsh III. His strategic priorities, encapsulated in "The Air Force We Need," focused on restoring readiness and strengthening the service's core missions. He championed the development of Advanced Battle Management System as a cornerstone for Joint All-Domain Command and Control. His tenure oversaw the establishment of the United States Space Force as a separate military branch and the stand-up of Air Force Global Strike Command's B-21 Raider program office. He retired from active duty on August 6, 2020, and was succeeded by General Charles Q. Brown Jr..

Post-military career

Following his retirement, he joined the board of directors for Military Child Education Coalition, a nonprofit organization. He also serves as a senior advisor to The Cohen Group, a global strategic consulting firm founded by former United States Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen. He is a frequent speaker on leadership, national security, and the future of aerospace power.

Awards and decorations

His personal military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart. He also wears the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge. His foreign awards include the NATO Meritorious Service Medal.

Personal life

He is married to Dawn Goldfein, and they have two daughters. An avid runner, he has completed multiple marathons. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has served on the board of visitors for the United States Air Force Academy.

Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:United States Air Force generals Category:Chiefs of Staff of the United States Air Force Category:United States Air Force Academy alumni Category:Harvard University alumni Category:Recipients of the Purple Heart Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)