Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip assumed command of 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern Friday during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. Seip, who was confirmed for his new post by the Senate in May, takes over from Lt. Gen. Randall M. Schmidt, who will officially retire on Sept. 1. Seip, who last served as assistant deputy chief of staff for air, space, information operations, plans, and requirements on the Air Staff, is a 1974 Air Force Academy graduate
Gene Smith, Former POW and AFA Chair, Dies at 91
Jan. 19, 2026
Lt. Col. Richard “Gene” Smith, who overcame five and a half years as a prisoner of war in the notorious Hanoi Hilton from 1967 until 1973, died Jan. 16. He was one day short of his 91st birthday.

