On November 3, 2023, Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach was sworn in as the 24th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. His appointment followed Senate confirmation on October 30, and he succeeds Gen. David Allvin, who did not attend the ceremony.
Wilsbach emphasized the urgent need to modernize the Air Force fleet, improve the readiness of both aircraft and personnel, and enhance coordination with other services and allies. He stated, “Being able to deliver [airpower] when called upon demands a constant focus on readiness,” highlighting the critical importance of readiness to ensure combat effectiveness.
Citing recent military actions, specifically the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, Wilsbach underscored the necessity of maintaining readiness to deliver decisive airpower when needed. He asserted that every airman plays a vital role in the mission of protecting the nation.
The Air Force is facing challenges regarding aircraft readiness as its fleet ages and numbers fall below 5,000 for the first time. Wilsbach noted that only about 60% of the fleet is mission-capable, which has declined in recent years. He called for accelerated acquisition of advanced capabilities, such as the sixth-generation F-47 fighter and the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, emphasizing that modernization is critical for maintaining an edge over adversaries.
In discussions with Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, Wilsbach’s commitment to updating the aircraft was highlighted as essential for future readiness. He stressed that air dominance requires collaboration not only among U.S. military branches but also with international partners.
Wilsbach affirmed the importance of cultivating a robust warfighter culture through realistic and challenging training. He advocated for a culture where smart risks are encouraged, stating, “A team that does hard things together is a team that will be successful in combat.”
Stephen Losey, the reporter for Defense News, covered Wilsbach’s address and has a background in military reporting, focusing on air warfare, personnel issues, and operations in the Middle East.
