General Lester L. Lyles

General Lester L. Lyles is a retired United States Air Force general who culminated his 35-year career as the commander of Air Force Materiel Command. A distinguished leader in acquisition and logistics, he has since held pivotal advisory roles for NASA and the Department of Defense, while serving on the boards of major corporations like KBR and General Dynamics.

Early life and education

Born in Washington, D.C., Lyles was raised in New York City and graduated from the Bronx High School of Science. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1968. He later received a Master of Science in mechanical/nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and is a distinguished graduate of the National War College.

Military career

Commissioned through the United States Air Force Academy, Lyles served in a variety of command and staff positions focusing on research and development, acquisition, and logistics. Key assignments included program director for the Inertial Upper Stage rocket and director of the Tactical Missile Programs office at the Air Force Systems Command. He served as the vice commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker Air Force Base and later commanded the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles. His senior leadership posts included serving as the director of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and as the vice chief of staff of the United States Air Force. His final assignment was as commander of Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he oversaw all research, development, test and evaluation, and logistics support for the United States Air Force.

NASA Advisory Council

Following his retirement from the United States Air Force, Lyles was appointed by NASA Administrator Michael D. Griffin to chair the NASA Advisory Council (NAC). In this role, he provided critical counsel on the agency's space exploration plans, including the Constellation program, and on issues of aerospace safety and engineering. His leadership of the NAC helped guide NASA policy during a pivotal period following the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and the transition from the Space Shuttle program.

Post-military career and corporate boards

Lyles has maintained an active role in the defense and aerospace sectors. He served as a member of the Department of Defense Defense Science Board and the National Academy of Engineering's Committee on NASA's Technology Programs. His corporate board service includes directorships at KBR, General Dynamics, USAA, and The Aerospace Corporation. He also served on the board of trustees for The MITRE Corporation and was a member of the National Science Board.

Awards and honors

Lyles's decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the National Academy of Engineering. In 2003, he was awarded the Thomas D. White National Defense Award for outstanding contributions to the national defense of the United States.

Category:United States Air Force generals Category:United States Air Force Academy alumni Category:NASA officials