T. Michael Moseley

T. Michael Moseley is a retired general of the United States Air Force who served as the 18th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from 2005 to 2008. His tenure was marked by significant involvement in the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), as well as efforts to modernize the service's aircraft inventory. Moseley's career ended with his resignation following an investigation into the service's handling of nuclear weapons components, an incident known as the 2007 United States Air Force nuclear weapons incident.

Early life and education

Born in Moscow, Texas, T. Michael Moseley was raised in Grand Prairie, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington before entering the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where he graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree and received his commission as a second lieutenant. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in political science from Texas A&M University and is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base and the National War College in Washington, D.C..

Military career

Commissioned through the United States Air Force Academy, Moseley began his career as a fighter pilot, flying the F-15 Eagle and later the F-15E Strike Eagle. He served in various operational and command roles, including with the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base. During the Gulf War, he flew combat missions as part of Operation Desert Storm. He later commanded the Ninth Air Force and United States Central Command Air Forces at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina.

His senior command assignments included serving as the commander of Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base and as commander of United States Air Forces in Europe and Allied Air Component Command at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. In September 2005, he was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, succeeding General John P. Jumper. As Chief of Staff, he was a key architect of the Department of Defense's air campaign strategies in the Middle East and advocated for advanced platforms like the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.

Post-military career

Following his retirement from the United States Air Force in 2008, Moseley entered the private sector. He has served as a senior advisor and consultant for several aerospace and defense firms, including Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. He is also a frequent commentator on national security and air power issues, contributing to organizations like the Air Force Association and the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Personal life

Moseley is married and has two children. He maintains an active interest in aviation history and is a supporter of various veterans' organizations, including the Air Force Aid Society and the Air Force Memorial Foundation. Since retirement, he has resided in Texas.

Awards and decorations

His personal military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal with oak leaf clusters. He also wears the Master Navigator Badge, Command Pilot Badge, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge.

Category:United States Air Force generals Category:United States Air Force Academy alumni Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Category:1949 births Category:Living people