Mike Minihan

Mike Minihan is a general in the United States Air Force who currently serves as the commander of Air Mobility Command. He previously held senior leadership positions including deputy commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command and commander of the Sixth Air Force. A career mobility pilot, Minihan has extensive operational experience in global airlift and aerial refueling missions supporting major combat operations and humanitarian efforts.

Early life and education

Minihan was born in New York City and grew up in the Northeastern United States. He earned his commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Auburn University, where he graduated with a degree in political science. He later furthered his military education, attending the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, the Air Command and Staff College, and the National War College in Washington, D.C.. His academic background also includes a master's degree from the National Defense University.

Military career

Minihan's operational career began as a pilot flying the C-130 Hercules with the 317th Airlift Group at Pope Air Force Base. He later transitioned to the C-17 Globemaster III, serving with the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base. His command assignments include leading the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base and the 618th Air Operations Center at Scott Air Force Base. He served as the director of operations for United States Transportation Command before assuming command of the Sixth Air Force and United States Southern Command's Air Forces Southern.

He served as the deputy commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, where he was instrumental in planning and executing joint force operations across the Pacific Ocean. In 2021, he was nominated for promotion to general and assignment as commander of Air Mobility Command, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base. In this role, he oversees all Air Force airlift, aerial refueling, and aeromedical evacuation forces, playing a critical role in global power projection and sustainment for the Department of Defense.

Awards and decorations

Minihan's personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters. He has also been awarded the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. His service ribbons include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the NATO Medal for service in Afghanistan.

Personal life

General Minihan is married and has two children. His personal interests include fitness and aviation history. He is a member of the Air Force Association and the Order of Daedalians. In his public communications, he has frequently emphasized the importance of readiness, innovation, and the pivotal role of Air Mobility Command in great power competition, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

References

Category:United States Air Force generals Category:United States Air Force commanders Category:Air Mobility Command personnel Category:Living people Category:National War College alumni