Assistant 
Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dick Newton retired after 34 years of service during a ceremony at JB Anacostia-Bolling, D.C. Newton had served as the assistant vice chief since December 2010. “Dick Newton has exemplified effective leadership and has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments,” said Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz during the April 27 ceremony. “He has made enduring contributions to the betterment of our Air Force, and to the security of our nation.” Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, who previously led 3rd Air Force at Ramstein AB, Germany, replaced Newton. “My classmates are part of an Air Force team doing something vitally important for our nation—seeking to preserve our way of life and our strength,” said Newton, a 1978 graduate of the Air Force Academy. He added, “All of us—those in uniform, Air Force civilians, and family members—serve an extraordinary cause together.” (Anacostia-Bolling report by MSgt. Raheem Moore)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
