General Darren W. McDew

General Darren W. McDew is a retired United States Air Force officer who served as the 13th commander of the United States Transportation Command. A command pilot with over 3,600 flight hours, his career spanned key leadership roles in air mobility and joint operations. McDew's commands included the Air Mobility Command and the Eighteenth Air Force, culminating in his oversight of the Department of Defense's global logistics network.

Early life and education

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, McDew was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He later completed a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the College of Naval Command and Staff at the United States Naval War College. His professional military education includes attendance at the Squadron Officer School, the Air Command and Staff College, and the National War College.

Military career

McDew's operational career began as a T-37 Tweet and T-38 Talon instructor pilot at Vance Air Force Base. He transitioned to the C-141 Starlifter and served with the 437th Military Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, participating in operations during the Gulf War. He later flew the C-17 Globemaster III and commanded the 22d Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, operating the KC-135 Stratotanker. Senior staff assignments included roles on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon and as the director of Air Force Public Affairs.

His flag officer assignments were centered on air mobility. He served as vice commander of the Air Education and Training Command and commander of the Eighteenth Air Force at Scott Air Force Base. In 2014, he was promoted to general and assumed command of the Air Mobility Command, responsible for all United States Air Force airlift, air refueling, and aeromedical evacuation forces. His final assignment was as commander of the United States Transportation Command, a Unified combatant command coordinating global logistics for the United States Department of Defense across all domains, supporting operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Post-military career

Following his retirement from the United States Air Force in 2018, McDew joined the corporate sector. He serves on the board of directors for Northrop Grumman, a major defense contractor, and Spirit AeroSystems. He is also a member of the board of trustees for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and has served as an independent director for Leidos.

Awards and decorations

McDew's personal military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, and the Bronze Star Medal. He also wears the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal, and the Aerial Achievement Medal. His service ribbons include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Personal life

General McDew is married and has two children. He is an advocate for mentorship and diversity within the armed forces and has spoken extensively on leadership development. His interests include aviation history and community service.

Category:United States Air Force generals Category:United States Transportation Command commanders Category:Virginia Tech alumni Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal Category:1958 births Category:Living people