Gen. John Corley on Oct. 2 officially took the reins of command for Air Combat Command from Gen. Ron Keys. At the change of command ceremony, Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley said of Corley, “No matter how difficult the task or onerous the challenge … you always looked to see the challenge right through.” Corley, a 1973 Air Force Academy graduate, most recently served as vice chief of staff for the Air Force. Keys officially retires on Nov. 1, but he has flown his last active duty flight and just last week received the Order of the Sword from ACC’s enlisted force. At the ceremony, Keys said, “I should be giving you the Order of the Sword; over the years, the things I’ve been able to do, I’ve been able to do because of the enlisted force.”
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.