T
he commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, Lt. Gen. Michael Wooley, has just capped his 35-year career, with a final flight during which he piloted an AC-130H gunship from AFSOC’s newest facility, Cannon AFB, N.M., to AFSOC’s home at Hurlburt Field, Fla. First Lt. Amy Cooper reports that the aircraft he flew got the traditional hosing, as did Wooley when his wife and four-year-old grandson doused him with a fire hose as he left the aircraft. Wooley relinquished command on Nov. 23 to Maj. Gen. Donald Wurster.
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty.

