General Wilsbach Nominated to Serve as Next Air Force Chief of Staff

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Air Force announced the nomination of General Kenneth Wilsbach, former Air Combat Command (ACC) leader and fighter pilot, to serve as its next Chief of Staff. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, issued the following statement applauding the announcement:

"I know Ken Wilsbach pretty well, and I can't think of a more competent, better prepared, and experienced General to lead the Air Force as its Chief of Staff than General Wilsbach. His experience as a fighter pilot and his background in leadership of the Air Force and the Pacific uniquely qualifies him for the current geopolitical fight we're in. Certainly, his command of Air Combat Command makes him well aware of North Dakota's assets and committed to North Dakota's assets. He is the right man at the right time for the job, and I'm grateful to the President for choosing him. I could not be more pleased with an announcement than I am with this announcement. I look forward to doing everything I can on the Armed Services Committee and on the Airland Subcommittee as its leader to get him confirmed as quickly as possible."

General Wilsbach joined Cramer in visiting Grand Forks Air Force Base to discuss base quality of life, current and future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, the growth of the Space Development Agency, and other potential missions. They also visited the North Dakota Air National Guard in Fargo.

As the 24th service chief, General Wilsbach will be responsible for the organization, training and equipping of 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian forces serving both in the United States and abroad. Through this position, he will serve as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and act as a military adviser to the Secretary of War, National Security Council, and the President.

General Wilsbach's nomination will advance to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If confirmed, he will succeed General David Allvin, who is set to retire once General Wilsbach is confirmed.