1 00:00:03,019 --> 00:00:05,130 Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen . 2 00:00:05,570 --> 00:00:07,792 Today , the men and women of the United 3 00:00:07,792 --> 00:00:09,819 States Air Force will observe in a 4 00:00:09,819 --> 00:00:12,060 subset of responsibility and welcome 5 00:00:12,060 --> 00:00:14,260 General Kenneth S . Wilsbach as the 6 00:00:14,260 --> 00:00:16,620 24th Chief of Staff of the United 7 00:00:16,620 --> 00:00:19,500 States Air Force . The host for today's 8 00:00:19,500 --> 00:00:21,670 ceremony is the secretary of the Air 9 00:00:21,670 --> 00:00:24,090 Force , the Honorable Troy E . Mink . 10 00:00:24,739 --> 00:00:27,129 Ladies and gentlemen , please rise . 11 00:01:41,900 --> 00:01:44,160 In battles of old , the color guard led 12 00:01:44,160 --> 00:01:46,559 the charge , braving enemy fire to 13 00:01:46,559 --> 00:01:48,392 inspire their fellow warriors to 14 00:01:48,392 --> 00:01:51,120 victory . Escorting our nation's colors 15 00:01:51,120 --> 00:01:53,480 and the United States Air Force flag is 16 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:55,813 the United States Air Force Honor Guard . 17 00:01:56,160 --> 00:01:58,720 This 220 member ceremonial unit is 18 00:01:58,720 --> 00:02:00,776 composed of various curriculums from 19 00:02:00,776 --> 00:02:02,664 the Air Force that have served in 20 00:02:02,664 --> 00:02:04,664 military conflicts and humanitarian 21 00:02:04,664 --> 00:02:06,959 efforts throughout the world . Marching 22 00:02:06,959 --> 00:02:09,199 before you with pride is the United 23 00:02:09,199 --> 00:02:10,921 States Air Force Honor Guard . 24 00:03:13,460 --> 00:03:14,009 Oh 25 00:03:25,639 --> 00:03:26,029 Oh 26 00:03:35,520 --> 00:03:37,409 A distinctive feature of military 27 00:03:37,409 --> 00:03:39,520 ceremonies is the formal presentation 28 00:03:39,520 --> 00:03:41,687 of command to the reviewing official . 29 00:03:42,050 --> 00:03:44,217 After the commander of troops presents 30 00:03:44,217 --> 00:03:46,272 the command , musical honors will be 31 00:03:46,272 --> 00:03:48,494 played in honor of the secretary of the 32 00:03:48,494 --> 00:03:50,606 Air Force , the Honorable Troy Mink . 33 00:05:15,209 --> 00:05:16,931 Please remain standing for the 34 00:05:16,931 --> 00:05:18,820 advancement of the colors and the 35 00:05:18,820 --> 00:05:20,653 singing of our national anthem . 36 00:06:32,010 --> 00:06:32,980 you see . 37 00:06:36,929 --> 00:06:38,440 What's so 38 00:06:42,450 --> 00:06:44,609 the lights . 39 00:06:48,929 --> 00:06:49,929 right . 40 00:06:58,209 --> 00:06:58,519 I . 41 00:07:02,799 --> 00:07:03,799 Mhm . 42 00:07:13,989 --> 00:07:14,989 All right . 43 00:07:24,600 --> 00:07:25,600 I go . 44 00:08:13,100 --> 00:08:15,211 The Department of the Air Force Chief 45 00:08:15,211 --> 00:08:17,322 of chaplains , Chaplain Major General 46 00:08:17,322 --> 00:08:19,267 Trent Davis , will now deliver the 47 00:08:19,267 --> 00:08:23,260 invocation . Please bow 48 00:08:23,260 --> 00:08:26,809 with me in prayer . Almighty God , 49 00:08:27,140 --> 00:08:29,059 we thank you for your life-giving 50 00:08:29,059 --> 00:08:31,420 presence and for all the ways you lead 51 00:08:31,420 --> 00:08:34,020 us to serve our great nation and you as 52 00:08:34,020 --> 00:08:36,187 airmen , and we thank you , Lord , for 53 00:08:36,187 --> 00:08:38,340 your wise hand of grace that first 54 00:08:38,340 --> 00:08:40,396 called General Wolfsbach to military 55 00:08:40,396 --> 00:08:42,562 service and now has called him to this 56 00:08:42,562 --> 00:08:45,659 extraordinary role as our 24th Chief of 57 00:08:45,659 --> 00:08:47,992 Staff of the Air Force . We know , Lord , 58 00:08:47,992 --> 00:08:50,020 that in all things you work for the 59 00:08:50,020 --> 00:08:52,059 good of those who love you and are 60 00:08:52,059 --> 00:08:54,115 called . According to your purpose , 61 00:08:54,115 --> 00:08:56,392 Gerald Wilsbach is a leader of leaders , 62 00:08:56,474 --> 00:08:58,530 command , flight , and battle tested 63 00:08:58,530 --> 00:09:00,696 for such a time as this . As he enters 64 00:09:00,696 --> 00:09:03,145 this new season of great responsibility , 65 00:09:03,395 --> 00:09:05,864 may he tune his ears to you , oh God . 66 00:09:06,114 --> 00:09:08,594 May he always be willing to cry aloud 67 00:09:08,594 --> 00:09:10,761 to you for understanding , and may you 68 00:09:10,761 --> 00:09:13,075 find the joy of great victory as he 69 00:09:13,075 --> 00:09:15,630 trusts in you . Empower him now to 70 00:09:15,630 --> 00:09:17,909 build in the Air Force with a voracious 71 00:09:17,909 --> 00:09:20,820 tenacity to fly , fix , and fight , 72 00:09:21,390 --> 00:09:23,557 resourced and ready to be our nation's 73 00:09:23,557 --> 00:09:26,549 sword and shield . But now , Lord , as 74 00:09:26,549 --> 00:09:28,605 General Wilsbach and Cindy step into 75 00:09:28,605 --> 00:09:31,359 their roles , bless this team of teams . 76 00:09:31,510 --> 00:09:34,030 May their future path be smooth and all 77 00:09:34,030 --> 00:09:36,510 their burdens light . May their joys be 78 00:09:36,510 --> 00:09:38,820 many . And may the unwavering 79 00:09:38,820 --> 00:09:40,876 commitment of their Air Force family 80 00:09:40,969 --> 00:09:43,320 and the power of your abiding presence 81 00:09:43,320 --> 00:09:45,809 be the engine that drives them to 82 00:09:45,809 --> 00:09:47,865 accomplish much more than they could 83 00:09:47,865 --> 00:09:51,010 ever ask or think . This we pray in 84 00:09:51,010 --> 00:09:52,450 your holy name . Amen . 85 00:09:56,000 --> 00:09:57,056 Please be seated . 86 00:10:01,479 --> 00:10:03,701 Ladies and gentlemen , the secretary of 87 00:10:03,701 --> 00:10:06,035 the Air Force , the Honorable Troy Mink . 88 00:10:14,489 --> 00:10:16,545 So thanks everybody , uh , everybody 89 00:10:16,545 --> 00:10:18,767 gets to be seated but me I guess . Uh , 90 00:10:18,767 --> 00:10:20,933 so good afternoon everyone . Uh , it's 91 00:10:20,933 --> 00:10:23,045 great to be here with you all today . 92 00:10:23,045 --> 00:10:25,267 Uh , before I get started , I wanted to 93 00:10:25,267 --> 00:10:27,600 thank a few of the distinguished guests . 94 00:10:27,600 --> 00:10:29,933 Uh , first off , I wanna thank the , uh , 95 00:10:29,933 --> 00:10:32,156 congressional legislators from the hill 96 00:10:32,156 --> 00:10:32,080 that are here today , uh , for ending 97 00:10:32,080 --> 00:10:34,302 the government shutdown which allowed a 98 00:10:34,302 --> 00:10:36,469 lot of this to take place and a lot of 99 00:10:36,469 --> 00:10:38,469 a lot of people to come here . So I 100 00:10:38,469 --> 00:10:40,469 appreciate that . Uh , also like to 101 00:10:40,469 --> 00:10:42,524 thank the , uh , current and retired 102 00:10:42,524 --> 00:10:42,280 generals here in attendance today , the 103 00:10:42,280 --> 00:10:44,859 air attaches from around the world . Uh , 104 00:10:44,869 --> 00:10:46,989 civic leaders , uh , industry 105 00:10:46,989 --> 00:10:49,549 executives , and then Cindy , the 106 00:10:49,549 --> 00:10:51,660 family , the guests , everybody could 107 00:10:51,660 --> 00:10:53,771 come today , so thank you very much , 108 00:10:53,771 --> 00:10:56,380 uh , the Chief and I , um , I really 109 00:10:56,380 --> 00:10:58,213 appreciate it . I'd also like to 110 00:10:58,213 --> 00:11:00,436 continue to put this together . Colonel 111 00:11:00,436 --> 00:11:02,491 Pope , on guard , senior sergeants , 112 00:11:02,491 --> 00:11:04,824 which again are awesome , uh , the band , 113 00:11:04,979 --> 00:11:07,619 uh , but he got the aircraft here today . 114 00:11:07,789 --> 00:11:09,678 He missed it earlier as much F-35 115 00:11:09,678 --> 00:11:11,845 sitting on the runway F-15s took off , 116 00:11:11,845 --> 00:11:14,178 I guess we didn't time that quite right . 117 00:11:14,178 --> 00:11:16,400 Maybe could have had them delayed about 118 00:11:16,400 --> 00:11:16,140 an hour , uh , but thanks for everybody 119 00:11:16,140 --> 00:11:18,251 for putting this on . I know , it's , 120 00:11:18,251 --> 00:11:20,418 it's a lot of work . And finally , I'd 121 00:11:20,418 --> 00:11:22,584 like to thank General Alvin for his 39 122 00:11:22,584 --> 00:11:24,696 years of service to our Air Force and 123 00:11:24,696 --> 00:11:26,807 to our nation . Uh , the Air Force is 124 00:11:26,807 --> 00:11:28,973 in a much better place from a national 125 00:11:28,973 --> 00:11:30,807 security perspective because his 126 00:11:30,807 --> 00:11:32,751 leadership , uh , he unfortunately 127 00:11:32,751 --> 00:11:34,807 could not be here today , uh , but I 128 00:11:34,807 --> 00:11:34,549 and the rest of the department thank 129 00:11:34,549 --> 00:11:38,349 him for everything he has done . Now we 130 00:11:38,349 --> 00:11:40,516 are here today to honor the assumption 131 00:11:40,516 --> 00:11:43,469 of responsibility of the 24th chief of 132 00:11:43,469 --> 00:11:45,830 staff of the Air Force and what a 133 00:11:45,830 --> 00:11:47,950 responsibility it is not just 134 00:11:47,950 --> 00:11:50,349 responsible for the 700,000 people 135 00:11:50,349 --> 00:11:52,127 across the Air Force , not just 136 00:11:52,127 --> 00:11:54,390 responsible for the $217 billion of 137 00:11:54,390 --> 00:11:56,929 annual budget that's . Kind of now 138 00:11:56,979 --> 00:11:59,630 approved a little bit . Uh , and not 139 00:11:59,630 --> 00:12:02,460 just responsible for the , uh , 5000 140 00:12:02,460 --> 00:12:04,460 odd aircraft as well as the missile 141 00:12:04,460 --> 00:12:06,238 fields and everything else that 142 00:12:06,238 --> 00:12:08,238 encompasses the Air Force . Now the 143 00:12:08,238 --> 00:12:10,349 chief is responsible for a vision for 144 00:12:10,349 --> 00:12:12,293 understanding the rapidly changing 145 00:12:12,293 --> 00:12:15,119 character of war and making sure that 146 00:12:15,119 --> 00:12:17,341 we are adapting to those changes before 147 00:12:17,341 --> 00:12:19,580 they occur . And the character is 148 00:12:19,580 --> 00:12:22,020 changing faster than any time in our 149 00:12:22,020 --> 00:12:24,250 history . We need to innovate faster 150 00:12:24,250 --> 00:12:27,750 than our enemy . Not just in technology 151 00:12:28,039 --> 00:12:30,969 but in everything we do operations , 152 00:12:31,320 --> 00:12:34,960 maintenance , training , everything we 153 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:38,760 do and Cruiser is a leader we need to 154 00:12:38,760 --> 00:12:41,159 make that happen and I look forward to 155 00:12:41,159 --> 00:12:43,326 the next 2 years of working with him , 156 00:12:43,326 --> 00:12:45,739 at least the next few years . The 157 00:12:45,739 --> 00:12:47,850 relationship between the SECA and the 158 00:12:47,850 --> 00:12:50,859 CSAF is an important one . For 78 years 159 00:12:50,859 --> 00:12:53,700 since Secretary Symington first handed 160 00:12:53,700 --> 00:12:55,940 the flag to General Spots , chiefs and 161 00:12:55,940 --> 00:12:58,051 secretaries have worked hand in glove 162 00:12:58,140 --> 00:13:00,084 to make our Air Force the best the 163 00:13:00,084 --> 00:13:02,196 world has ever seen , and I'm honored 164 00:13:02,196 --> 00:13:04,196 to be part of that . I've gotten to 165 00:13:04,196 --> 00:13:06,196 know Cruiser well over the last few 166 00:13:06,196 --> 00:13:08,140 months starting when I visited ACC 167 00:13:08,140 --> 00:13:10,084 headquarters when he was still the 168 00:13:10,084 --> 00:13:12,140 commander , and I think I've been in 169 00:13:12,140 --> 00:13:14,196 the job maybe a couple of months . I 170 00:13:14,196 --> 00:13:16,307 can confidently say that we are going 171 00:13:16,307 --> 00:13:18,418 to work well together and we're gonna 172 00:13:18,418 --> 00:13:20,140 get a lot done . First , he is 173 00:13:20,140 --> 00:13:22,630 commander of the squadron group wing , 174 00:13:22,760 --> 00:13:25,359 numbered Air Force , and major command 175 00:13:25,359 --> 00:13:28,400 levels . I think that's pretty much 176 00:13:28,400 --> 00:13:30,622 every level that is possible to command 177 00:13:30,622 --> 00:13:33,130 at . Now as you can tell by the title 178 00:13:33,130 --> 00:13:35,940 of the ceremony , it turns out the CSA 179 00:13:35,940 --> 00:13:39,169 is not technically a commander . So as 180 00:13:39,169 --> 00:13:41,225 a 9 time commander , I'm sure he's a 181 00:13:41,225 --> 00:13:43,336 little disappointed that he won't get 182 00:13:43,336 --> 00:13:45,391 to the even 10 , but I think 9 still 183 00:13:45,391 --> 00:13:48,140 may be an actual record within the Air 184 00:13:48,140 --> 00:13:51,169 Force . Uh , that's , that's mostly 185 00:13:51,169 --> 00:13:53,280 true . I think that's mostly true . I 186 00:13:53,280 --> 00:13:55,613 think dying is actually the record . Uh , 187 00:13:55,613 --> 00:13:57,447 across our force from cockpit to 188 00:13:57,447 --> 00:13:59,225 keyboard to capsule , technical 189 00:13:59,225 --> 00:14:01,169 expertise and combat readiness are 190 00:14:01,169 --> 00:14:03,002 central to who we are and how we 191 00:14:03,002 --> 00:14:06,500 succeed . We all have to be great at 192 00:14:06,500 --> 00:14:08,830 our jobs , and there's quite literally 193 00:14:08,830 --> 00:14:11,369 no one in the active duty Air Force 194 00:14:11,820 --> 00:14:13,764 today who has more experience than 195 00:14:13,764 --> 00:14:16,042 Cruiser Wilsbach in making that happen , 196 00:14:16,340 --> 00:14:18,340 especially in the Pacific theater . 197 00:14:18,549 --> 00:14:20,809 He's also a critical thinker about the 198 00:14:20,809 --> 00:14:23,289 role that air power will will play in 199 00:14:23,289 --> 00:14:25,640 the years to come . Not just air 200 00:14:25,640 --> 00:14:28,440 supremacy , but ISR mobility , global 201 00:14:28,440 --> 00:14:30,760 stray , command and control , and all 202 00:14:30,760 --> 00:14:32,649 the networks that are required to 203 00:14:32,649 --> 00:14:34,760 stitch that together . You'll find no 204 00:14:34,760 --> 00:14:36,760 greater proponent for modernization 205 00:14:36,760 --> 00:14:38,380 than cruiser . Getting that 206 00:14:38,380 --> 00:14:40,770 modernization right will set us up for 207 00:14:40,770 --> 00:14:43,960 the future . Finally , Cruiser spent 2 208 00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:46,549 years , almost a full career , in the 209 00:14:46,549 --> 00:14:49,309 Pacific Theater . He understands the 210 00:14:49,309 --> 00:14:51,669 criticality of current readiness on a 211 00:14:51,669 --> 00:14:54,750 personal level . If called , we must be 212 00:14:54,750 --> 00:14:56,917 ready at a moment's notice to meet the 213 00:14:56,917 --> 00:14:59,109 most challenging adversary that we've 214 00:14:59,109 --> 00:15:02,190 seen in generations . That means our 215 00:15:02,190 --> 00:15:05,020 systems need to work . Fly fix fight . 216 00:15:05,229 --> 00:15:07,396 I think you'll hear a bit more of that 217 00:15:07,396 --> 00:15:09,562 from the general . From the first time 218 00:15:09,562 --> 00:15:11,989 we met , his passion was clear for both 219 00:15:11,989 --> 00:15:14,849 his airmen . And for maximizing their 220 00:15:14,849 --> 00:15:17,369 readiness , because our mission to 221 00:15:17,369 --> 00:15:19,270 defend the homeland and deter 222 00:15:19,270 --> 00:15:21,289 adversaries requires that we are 223 00:15:21,289 --> 00:15:23,700 constantly ready . That we have the 224 00:15:23,700 --> 00:15:27,489 most modern , capable , and best airmen 225 00:15:27,489 --> 00:15:30,890 on the planet . Deterrence only works . 226 00:15:31,619 --> 00:15:33,890 When we prove to the entire world that 227 00:15:33,890 --> 00:15:36,679 day in and day out , messing with us is 228 00:15:36,679 --> 00:15:39,520 a really bad idea . While General 229 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:41,590 Wilsbach has a stick , I don't think 230 00:15:41,590 --> 00:15:44,340 that is going to be an issue . Cruiser , 231 00:15:44,750 --> 00:15:46,917 welcome . Happy to have you on board . 232 00:15:46,917 --> 00:15:49,028 There's a lot to do , so let's get to 233 00:15:49,028 --> 00:15:50,028 it . Thank you . 234 00:15:57,090 --> 00:15:59,257 Secretary M will now present the Chief 235 00:15:59,257 --> 00:16:01,312 of Staff of the Air Force positional 236 00:16:01,312 --> 00:16:03,534 colors to General Wilsbach , appointing 237 00:16:03,534 --> 00:16:05,646 him as the 24th Chief of Staff of the 238 00:16:05,646 --> 00:16:07,090 United States Air Force . 239 00:16:24,159 --> 00:16:26,590 Historically , the passing of the flag 240 00:16:26,590 --> 00:16:28,701 was accomplished in front of the unit 241 00:16:28,701 --> 00:16:30,923 so all could see and witness the change 242 00:16:30,923 --> 00:16:33,799 of leadership . This symbolic tradition 243 00:16:33,799 --> 00:16:35,855 first began in the Department of the 244 00:16:35,855 --> 00:16:37,799 Air Force with the first Air Force 245 00:16:37,799 --> 00:16:40,077 Chief of Staff , General Carl A . Foxx , 246 00:16:40,077 --> 00:16:42,021 and the first secretary of the Air 247 00:16:42,021 --> 00:16:44,243 Force , the Honorable W . Stor Simonton 248 00:16:44,243 --> 00:16:47,940 in September 1947 . And in keeping with 249 00:16:47,940 --> 00:16:49,940 this tradition , the passing of the 250 00:16:49,940 --> 00:16:51,940 chief of that flag also affirms the 251 00:16:51,940 --> 00:16:54,162 commitment of our civilian and military 252 00:16:54,162 --> 00:16:56,419 leaders working together to better the 253 00:16:56,419 --> 00:16:59,299 institution . General Wilsbach will now 254 00:16:59,299 --> 00:17:01,521 accept responsibility as the 24th Chief 255 00:17:01,521 --> 00:17:03,855 of Staff of the United States Air Force . 256 00:17:07,930 --> 00:17:09,986 By direction of the President of the 257 00:17:09,986 --> 00:17:11,930 United States of America , General 258 00:17:11,930 --> 00:17:14,000 Kenneth S . Wilsbach is appointed as 259 00:17:14,000 --> 00:17:16,222 the Chief of Staff of the United States 260 00:17:16,222 --> 00:17:19,640 Air Force , effective 3 November 2025 . 261 00:18:09,369 --> 00:18:11,569 Please rise as Secretary M administers 262 00:18:11,569 --> 00:18:13,791 the oath of office to General Rosbach . 263 00:19:02,420 --> 00:19:03,420 They 264 00:19:24,699 --> 00:19:25,755 Please be seated . 265 00:19:36,770 --> 00:19:39,103 The 2nd Chief of Staff of the Air Force , 266 00:19:39,229 --> 00:19:41,790 General Hoyt S . Van den Berg , decided 267 00:19:41,790 --> 00:19:43,790 the chief of staff of the Air Force 268 00:19:43,790 --> 00:19:46,012 should be set apart from other officers 269 00:19:46,012 --> 00:19:48,012 as the leader of the Air Force . He 270 00:19:48,012 --> 00:19:50,068 approved an embellishment of the hat 271 00:19:50,068 --> 00:19:52,179 band of the service cap with clouds , 272 00:19:52,179 --> 00:19:54,380 darts , and lightning bolts . At this 273 00:19:54,380 --> 00:19:56,930 time , General Wolbach's spouse , Mrs . 274 00:19:56,939 --> 00:19:58,900 Cindy Wilsbach , will now present 275 00:19:58,900 --> 00:20:01,130 General Wolsbach with the distinguished 276 00:20:01,130 --> 00:20:03,352 distinctive service cap of the Chief of 277 00:20:03,352 --> 00:20:05,519 Staff of the United States Air Force . 278 00:20:47,099 --> 00:20:49,266 Ladies and gentlemen , please rise for 279 00:20:49,266 --> 00:20:50,821 the posting of the colors . 280 00:22:37,150 --> 00:22:37,859 Oh 281 00:22:51,140 --> 00:22:55,000 Please be seated . Ladies 282 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:57,222 and gentlemen , the 24th Chief of Staff 283 00:22:57,222 --> 00:22:59,056 of the United States Air Force , 284 00:22:59,056 --> 00:23:00,778 General Kenneth S . Wilsbach . 285 00:23:09,729 --> 00:23:12,359 Oh , thank you very much . Doesn't the 286 00:23:12,359 --> 00:23:13,859 honor guard look amazing ? 287 00:23:20,380 --> 00:23:22,713 And uh for the folks in the honor guard , 288 00:23:22,713 --> 00:23:24,824 you're backed up by 3 of the greatest 289 00:23:24,824 --> 00:23:26,936 fighters in the world , so that helps 290 00:23:26,936 --> 00:23:29,790 to make you look good . Well , good 291 00:23:29,790 --> 00:23:31,790 afternoon , everybody . Uh , what a 292 00:23:31,790 --> 00:23:33,901 great day and what a great ceremony . 293 00:23:33,901 --> 00:23:36,160 Truly representative of the awesome 294 00:23:36,160 --> 00:23:38,160 capability of the United States Air 295 00:23:38,160 --> 00:23:40,540 Force . It's really a privilege to be 296 00:23:40,540 --> 00:23:43,020 able to share this moment surrounded by 297 00:23:43,020 --> 00:23:45,959 teammates and family . Friends and 298 00:23:45,959 --> 00:23:48,126 partners from across the department of 299 00:23:48,126 --> 00:23:50,348 the Air Force and across the department 300 00:23:50,348 --> 00:23:52,729 of war . First and foremost , there's 301 00:23:52,729 --> 00:23:54,896 so many people here to thank that have 302 00:23:54,896 --> 00:23:57,469 been instrumental in my life , career , 303 00:23:57,609 --> 00:24:00,849 and in making this day a reality to our 304 00:24:00,849 --> 00:24:03,359 national leadership , Mr . President , 305 00:24:03,890 --> 00:24:06,349 Secretary Hegseth . The esteemed 306 00:24:06,349 --> 00:24:08,238 members of Congress and I believe 307 00:24:08,238 --> 00:24:11,089 Senator Kramer is here , Secretary Mink . 308 00:24:12,459 --> 00:24:14,626 Uh , Chairman King , Chairman , thanks 309 00:24:14,626 --> 00:24:17,079 for being here . Thanks to all of you 310 00:24:17,079 --> 00:24:19,135 for your confidence and trust . I am 311 00:24:19,135 --> 00:24:21,910 deeply humbled . By the opportunity to 312 00:24:21,910 --> 00:24:24,290 lead this remarkable institution and 313 00:24:24,290 --> 00:24:28,150 the 665,000 airmen and civilians who 314 00:24:28,150 --> 00:24:30,630 make up the most powerful air force in 315 00:24:30,630 --> 00:24:34,599 the world . Secretary Ming I 316 00:24:34,599 --> 00:24:37,160 truly appreciate the kind words . I'm 317 00:24:37,160 --> 00:24:40,020 really humbled . I also look forward to 318 00:24:40,020 --> 00:24:42,300 a productive partnership . Thank you 319 00:24:42,300 --> 00:24:44,411 for your confidence and uh thanks for 320 00:24:44,411 --> 00:24:47,479 hosting today . It's an honor also to 321 00:24:47,479 --> 00:24:51,430 see uh my fellow service chiefs . I 322 00:24:51,430 --> 00:24:53,390 appreciate you all support , and I 323 00:24:53,390 --> 00:24:55,869 truly look forward to strengthening our 324 00:24:55,869 --> 00:24:57,536 joint capabilities together . 325 00:25:01,969 --> 00:25:04,191 I also wanna say uh hello and thank you 326 00:25:04,191 --> 00:25:06,136 to our international partners here 327 00:25:06,136 --> 00:25:08,358 today from around the globe . Thank you 328 00:25:08,358 --> 00:25:10,247 for your steadfast dedication and 329 00:25:10,247 --> 00:25:12,469 friendship . Your presence reflects the 330 00:25:12,469 --> 00:25:14,636 enduring bonds between our nations and 331 00:25:14,636 --> 00:25:16,636 the shared commitment to preserving 332 00:25:16,636 --> 00:25:18,900 global security . To the major command 333 00:25:18,900 --> 00:25:20,956 commanders , the secretariat and the 334 00:25:20,956 --> 00:25:23,011 air staff , I really look forward to 335 00:25:23,011 --> 00:25:25,233 working with you . And to the team that 336 00:25:25,233 --> 00:25:27,344 set up this ceremony amid some trying 337 00:25:27,344 --> 00:25:29,750 times from the planners , the MC to the 338 00:25:29,750 --> 00:25:31,949 chaplain , the proffers , the honor 339 00:25:31,949 --> 00:25:33,671 guard , the band , the singing 340 00:25:33,671 --> 00:25:35,671 sergeants , the security , and many 341 00:25:35,671 --> 00:25:38,969 others . Well done , well done . You 342 00:25:38,969 --> 00:25:41,729 once again show that when airmen come 343 00:25:41,729 --> 00:25:44,939 together , excellence follows . I have 344 00:25:44,939 --> 00:25:47,420 several more people to thank . First of 345 00:25:47,420 --> 00:25:50,420 all , I want to express my sincere 346 00:25:50,420 --> 00:25:53,270 gratitude to Cindy , my wife . She's 347 00:25:53,270 --> 00:25:55,326 been with me throughout my entire 40 348 00:25:55,326 --> 00:25:59,020 years of of my 40 year career , and she 349 00:25:59,020 --> 00:26:02,250 embodies service before herself while 350 00:26:02,250 --> 00:26:04,630 she takes care of airmen and families . 351 00:26:05,380 --> 00:26:07,602 Thank you for being willing to continue 352 00:26:07,602 --> 00:26:09,602 this journey with me . I love you . 353 00:26:17,569 --> 00:26:19,402 My parents are here today , uh , 354 00:26:19,402 --> 00:26:21,458 sitting down here in the front row , 355 00:26:21,458 --> 00:26:23,513 and I wanna thank them for giving me 356 00:26:23,513 --> 00:26:26,390 the training . Setting a good example 357 00:26:26,599 --> 00:26:29,430 and instilling a work ethic in me to 358 00:26:29,719 --> 00:26:31,941 get started in this disciplined life as 359 00:26:31,941 --> 00:26:33,997 a military professional . I love you 360 00:26:33,997 --> 00:26:35,941 too and thank you for being here . 361 00:26:40,500 --> 00:26:42,722 Uh , one person that isn't here today , 362 00:26:42,722 --> 00:26:44,611 uh , due to some health issues is 363 00:26:44,611 --> 00:26:46,833 Cindy's mom Carol . Uh , she's watching 364 00:26:46,833 --> 00:26:49,050 online though , and so , um , if you 365 00:26:49,050 --> 00:26:51,272 wouldn't , uh , wouldn't mind , join me 366 00:26:51,272 --> 00:26:53,439 in wishing her well and get , get well 367 00:26:53,439 --> 00:26:55,606 soon and maybe a round of applause for 368 00:26:55,606 --> 00:26:55,430 her . She's been so supportive . 369 00:27:00,369 --> 00:27:02,480 Well , uh , there's a number of other 370 00:27:02,480 --> 00:27:04,536 family members here , close personal 371 00:27:04,536 --> 00:27:06,959 friends , mentors , and colleagues that 372 00:27:06,959 --> 00:27:09,181 have supported and shaped me throughout 373 00:27:09,181 --> 00:27:11,609 my career who are here today and I just , 374 00:27:11,719 --> 00:27:14,760 I can't thank you enough for um being 375 00:27:14,760 --> 00:27:16,927 here but also more importantly for how 376 00:27:16,927 --> 00:27:18,927 you've shaped me into making me the 377 00:27:18,927 --> 00:27:20,871 person that I am and I wouldn't be 378 00:27:20,871 --> 00:27:22,816 standing here if it wasn't for the 379 00:27:22,816 --> 00:27:24,982 contributions of all of you and I'm so 380 00:27:24,982 --> 00:27:27,093 grateful for each one of you . Well , 381 00:27:27,093 --> 00:27:29,149 the office of the Chief of Staff has 382 00:27:29,149 --> 00:27:31,800 been occupied by some titans of 383 00:27:31,800 --> 00:27:34,589 military aviation , true advocates of 384 00:27:34,589 --> 00:27:37,670 the value of air power . They dreamt up 385 00:27:37,670 --> 00:27:40,079 and then built the greatest , most 386 00:27:40,079 --> 00:27:42,190 powerful air force the world has ever 387 00:27:42,190 --> 00:27:45,010 seen . Legends like Spatz , LeMay , 388 00:27:45,239 --> 00:27:48,560 Allen , Vogelman , Jumper , Golfing , 389 00:27:48,680 --> 00:27:50,959 and the rest of my 23 predecessors who 390 00:27:50,959 --> 00:27:52,903 shaped our culture and created the 391 00:27:52,903 --> 00:27:55,459 foundation on which we stand . It's 392 00:27:55,459 --> 00:27:58,410 truly humbling . To have a chance to 393 00:27:58,410 --> 00:28:01,550 follow in their footsteps . Our Air 394 00:28:01,550 --> 00:28:04,430 Force is at a critical juncture . Don't 395 00:28:04,430 --> 00:28:06,152 get me wrong , we're still the 396 00:28:06,152 --> 00:28:08,152 strongest , most capable and lethal 397 00:28:08,152 --> 00:28:10,374 force in the world . When nation , when 398 00:28:10,374 --> 00:28:12,541 the nation calls , we will respond and 399 00:28:12,541 --> 00:28:15,339 deliver decisive combat power . Look no 400 00:28:15,339 --> 00:28:18,199 further than last summer . When the 12 401 00:28:18,199 --> 00:28:20,199 Day war between Israel and Iran was 402 00:28:20,199 --> 00:28:21,977 going on , our nation needed to 403 00:28:21,977 --> 00:28:24,130 establish deterrent , so our leaders 404 00:28:24,130 --> 00:28:26,680 turned to the United States Air Force , 405 00:28:26,849 --> 00:28:28,849 and the world watched as our airmen 406 00:28:28,849 --> 00:28:30,682 demonstrated the determination , 407 00:28:30,689 --> 00:28:33,160 ingenuity to quickly and effectively 408 00:28:33,160 --> 00:28:36,180 neutralize targets in the heart of Iran . 409 00:28:37,130 --> 00:28:38,859 This consequential operation , 410 00:28:39,069 --> 00:28:41,750 Operation Midnight Hammer , enabled one 411 00:28:41,750 --> 00:28:44,790 of our great asymmetric advantages . 412 00:28:45,859 --> 00:28:48,170 And it was helped along by our allies 413 00:28:48,170 --> 00:28:51,810 and partners . Which was Really 414 00:28:51,810 --> 00:28:54,143 important in ending that uh war quickly . 415 00:28:54,989 --> 00:28:57,100 Operations like this one remind us of 416 00:28:57,100 --> 00:28:59,790 the core responsibility as airmen to 417 00:28:59,790 --> 00:29:03,650 stay ready . Be credible and capable 418 00:29:03,650 --> 00:29:06,890 every single day . Our main purpose has 419 00:29:06,890 --> 00:29:10,579 never changed . We fly and fix . To 420 00:29:10,579 --> 00:29:13,930 fight and win our nation's wars . That 421 00:29:13,930 --> 00:29:17,040 mission binds us across all specialties 422 00:29:17,469 --> 00:29:20,069 across all generations and across the 423 00:29:20,069 --> 00:29:22,670 globe from maintainers on the flight 424 00:29:22,670 --> 00:29:25,790 line to operators in the cockpit to 425 00:29:25,790 --> 00:29:29,790 defenders to logisticians every airman 426 00:29:29,790 --> 00:29:32,012 plays a critical role in generating the 427 00:29:32,012 --> 00:29:35,839 air power to protect our nation . Being 428 00:29:35,839 --> 00:29:37,849 able to deliver when called upon 429 00:29:37,849 --> 00:29:40,520 demands a constant focus on readiness . 430 00:29:40,849 --> 00:29:43,920 Airmen or aircraft that are not ready 431 00:29:43,920 --> 00:29:47,510 to fight undermines our ability to , 432 00:29:48,069 --> 00:29:51,250 to win . Restoring reliability across 433 00:29:51,250 --> 00:29:53,939 all aspects of our force from trained 434 00:29:53,939 --> 00:29:56,560 combat formations to better aircraft 435 00:29:56,560 --> 00:29:58,930 availability is vital . 436 00:30:00,040 --> 00:30:02,439 However , we can't rely on our current 437 00:30:02,439 --> 00:30:06,349 weapons alone . We have to modernize 438 00:30:06,349 --> 00:30:09,040 and our Air Force will constantly lead 439 00:30:09,040 --> 00:30:10,762 the way into the future , both 440 00:30:10,762 --> 00:30:13,359 modernizing and innovative , innovating 441 00:30:13,359 --> 00:30:15,248 to stay at the vanguard of combat 442 00:30:15,248 --> 00:30:18,849 aviation . Accelerating our acquisition 443 00:30:18,849 --> 00:30:21,290 timelines for critical capabilities 444 00:30:21,290 --> 00:30:24,550 like the F-47 . Or collaborative combat 445 00:30:24,550 --> 00:30:28,260 aircraft or the B-21 . So that they can 446 00:30:28,260 --> 00:30:30,660 be employed at the first opportunity 447 00:30:30,660 --> 00:30:33,069 will ensure our dominance . This 448 00:30:33,069 --> 00:30:35,180 dominance is not achieved without 449 00:30:35,180 --> 00:30:38,030 integrating . And with the enduring 450 00:30:38,719 --> 00:30:41,239 support of our joint and international 451 00:30:41,239 --> 00:30:44,209 partners . Maintaining that 452 00:30:44,209 --> 00:30:46,265 international security requires more 453 00:30:46,265 --> 00:30:48,819 than just one service and more than one 454 00:30:48,819 --> 00:30:51,890 nation and collectively we are stronger . 455 00:30:52,869 --> 00:30:55,189 All these efforts are underpinned by a 456 00:30:55,189 --> 00:30:57,719 strong war fighter culture . Being 457 00:30:57,719 --> 00:30:59,709 ready to fight and win requires 458 00:31:00,199 --> 00:31:03,050 consistent , realistic , and difficult 459 00:31:03,050 --> 00:31:05,579 training . Leaders at all echelons 460 00:31:05,579 --> 00:31:08,420 taking smart risks should be ingrained 461 00:31:08,420 --> 00:31:10,780 in our culture . A team that does hard 462 00:31:10,780 --> 00:31:12,947 things together is a team that will be 463 00:31:12,947 --> 00:31:15,369 successful in combat . Maintaining the 464 00:31:15,369 --> 00:31:17,036 highest standards must be our 465 00:31:17,036 --> 00:31:19,569 expectation . Being the best requires 466 00:31:19,569 --> 00:31:22,050 nothing less , and we will rely on our 467 00:31:22,050 --> 00:31:25,199 NCOs to deliver on this . And by the 468 00:31:25,199 --> 00:31:27,770 way , our enlisted members are the 469 00:31:27,770 --> 00:31:30,239 reason the US military is the best 470 00:31:30,239 --> 00:31:32,479 force ever assembled on the planet . 471 00:31:34,040 --> 00:31:36,262 But even as we innovate and modernize , 472 00:31:36,262 --> 00:31:38,429 we must never lose sight of what makes 473 00:31:38,429 --> 00:31:41,270 our Air Force great our people and the 474 00:31:41,270 --> 00:31:43,709 families who stand behind them . Our 475 00:31:43,709 --> 00:31:45,820 airmen's ability to succeed in combat 476 00:31:45,820 --> 00:31:48,510 is directly tied to the robust support 477 00:31:48,510 --> 00:31:50,900 structure at home , squadrons , group , 478 00:31:51,189 --> 00:31:53,869 and wings that prioritize family 479 00:31:53,869 --> 00:31:56,150 well-being , build trust among our 480 00:31:56,150 --> 00:31:59,000 teams and across the enterprise , and 481 00:31:59,000 --> 00:32:01,959 produce positive mission results . We 482 00:32:01,959 --> 00:32:04,119 must never lose our combat edge . Our 483 00:32:04,119 --> 00:32:06,680 nation depends on us to be ready , 484 00:32:06,849 --> 00:32:09,040 capable , and credible . Air 485 00:32:09,040 --> 00:32:11,920 superiority is not a birthright . 486 00:32:17,010 --> 00:32:19,609 We have to have strong and resilient 487 00:32:19,609 --> 00:32:22,410 airmen , and I could not be prouder of 488 00:32:22,410 --> 00:32:24,521 the sacrifices they make on a regular 489 00:32:24,521 --> 00:32:27,130 basis for our country . Once again , 490 00:32:27,319 --> 00:32:29,540 it's a privilege and an honor to have 491 00:32:29,540 --> 00:32:31,207 this opportunity to lead this 492 00:32:31,207 --> 00:32:32,929 distinguished service . I will 493 00:32:32,929 --> 00:32:35,699 tirelessly work every day to enable the 494 00:32:35,699 --> 00:32:39,209 Air Force to succeed . Thank you and 495 00:32:39,209 --> 00:32:39,959 fight's on . 496 00:33:45,989 --> 00:33:48,045 The United States Air Force on guard 497 00:33:48,045 --> 00:33:50,045 will now pass in review in honor of 498 00:33:50,045 --> 00:33:52,459 General Wilsbach . It is customary for 499 00:33:52,459 --> 00:33:54,681 the senior official to receive the pass 500 00:33:54,681 --> 00:33:57,119 in review . However , in this ceremony , 501 00:33:57,300 --> 00:33:59,467 Secretary Mink has deferred this honor 502 00:33:59,467 --> 00:34:01,420 to the 24th Chief of Staff of the 503 00:34:01,420 --> 00:34:03,309 United States Air Force , General 504 00:34:03,309 --> 00:34:05,920 Wilsbach . As a reminder , everyone 505 00:34:05,920 --> 00:34:08,087 should stand as the colors pass before 506 00:34:08,087 --> 00:34:10,189 them and military members in uniform 507 00:34:10,189 --> 00:34:11,189 should salute . 508 00:34:18,949 --> 00:34:19,429 Oh 509 00:36:37,610 --> 00:36:39,939 Sir , The ceremony . 510 00:36:50,379 --> 00:36:52,546 The men and women of the United States 511 00:36:52,546 --> 00:36:54,490 Air Force extend a warm welcome to 512 00:36:54,490 --> 00:36:56,490 General and Mrs . Wilsbach and look 513 00:36:56,490 --> 00:36:58,268 forward to serving with General 514 00:36:58,268 --> 00:37:00,435 Wilsbach as he takes on new challenges 515 00:37:00,435 --> 00:37:02,546 as the 24th Chief of Staff of the Air 516 00:37:02,546 --> 00:37:05,760 Force . Please rise and remain standing 517 00:37:05,760 --> 00:37:07,871 for the playing of the Air Force song 518 00:37:07,871 --> 00:37:10,204 and the departure of the official party . 519 00:38:22,310 --> 00:38:24,588 This concludes this afternoon ceremony . 520 00:38:24,588 --> 00:38:26,254 Please join Secretary Meek in 521 00:38:26,254 --> 00:38:28,088 congratulating General and Mrs . 522 00:38:28,088 --> 00:38:30,199 Wilsbach in the receiving line at the 523 00:38:30,199 --> 00:38:32,366 center of the hangar . There will be a 524 00:38:32,366 --> 00:38:34,532 reception immediately following on the 525 00:38:34,532 --> 00:38:36,754 left side of the hangar . Please remain 526 00:38:36,754 --> 00:38:38,810 at your seats until an usher directs 527 00:38:38,810 --> 00:38:40,754 you to depart . Thank you for your 528 00:38:40,754 --> 00:38:41,050 patience and we wish you a pleasant day .