Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, who’s selected to become the next Air Force chief of staff, is a tested warrior and a proven top strategic thinker among senior leaders across the Joint Force, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said here today.
In remarks at the Pentagon, Carter and Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, accompanied by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, congratulated Goldfein on his April 26 nomination by President Barack Obama, while expressing appreciation for departing Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III.
Carter quoted from then-Col. Goldfein’s book, “Sharing Success, Owning Failure,” by noting, “’The single-most important element of success in war is leadership.’”
The secretary said Goldfein’s demonstrated “strong and visionary leadership” gained from demanding assignments -- commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, director of the Joint Staff and as vice chief of staff of the Air Force -- convinced him to recommend Goldfein to become the 21st Air Force chief of staff.
Knowledge of Arabian Gulf Region
Goldfein developed a deep knowledge of the region where the Air Force carries out the “vast majority” of strikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and The Levant in Iraq and Syria, Carter said.
And while serving as commander of Air Forces Central Command -- the air component of U.S. Central Command -- Goldfein also advanced the Integrated Air and Missile Defense of the Arabian Gulf and developed the Gulf Command Air Operations Center, Carter said.
Goldfein worked closely with nations [that] are today our critical partners in the counter-ISIL campaign,” the secretary said.
Experience an Asset to Counter ISIL
If confirmed by the Senate as the next Air Force Chief of Staff, Goldfein’s “extensive political-military experience will be to our great benefit as we continue to accelerate our efforts against ISIL, and work with coalition nations to deal them a lasting defeat,” Carter said.
From his experience at the highest Air Force levels and the Joint Force, Goldfein “understands deeply the evolving nature of warfare and the threats we face,” the secretary said.
Goldfein, he added, has “developed a keen appreciation for the strategic horizon … and the need to develop resilient cyber and space capabilities, which will allow the United States to continue to dominate across all domains.”
Facing Challenges Head On
Naming a vast array of his career achievements, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said she could think of “no one better suited” to follow in Welsh’s shoes than Goldfein.
“As the 21st chief of staff of the Air Force, Dave will bring his extensive experience and unique qualifications to bear as the Air Force seeks to address today’s increasingly complex and very challenging geopolitical environment,” James said.
‘Be Worthy Of Honor to Lead’
When he was a squadron commander, Goldfein said the Air Force chief of staff told the young officers something he’s never forgotten.
“He looked at us, and said, ‘Never forget that it’s truly an honor to be chosen to lead in the United States Air Force. And your job, every day, is to be worthy of that honor.’”
That, Goldfein told the audience, “is my commitment to you: to ensure I’m worthy of this honor for [all] of you … and the 660,000 active duty, Guard, reserve and civilian airmen who make up today’s greatest Air Force.”
Goldfein said that if he’s confirmed, he will look forward to “joining my fellow chiefs and chairman to offer creative solutions to many of the complex challenges we face as a nation. Thank you again for your trust.”
(Follow Terri Moon Cronk on Twitter: @MoonCronkDoD)