Defense Secretary Robert Gates earlier today recommended that President Bush nominate Michael Donley to be the next Secretary of the Air Force and Gen. Norton Schwartz to serve as the next Chief of Staff. Donley is presently director of administration and management for the Department of Defense and Schwartz currently heads US Transportation Command. Gates said in a release he also recommended that President Bush designate Donley as Acting Secretary effective June 21 to minimize the disruption caused by the resignations of Michael Wynne and Gen. Michael Moseley last week. Gates also put forth two additional leadership changes: He recommends moving Gen. Duncan McNabb, the current vice chief of staff, to fill Schwartz’s vacancy at TRANSCOM, and Lt. Gen. William Fraser to take over McNabb’s No. 2 role on the Air Staff. Prior to becoming vice chief, McNabb led Air Mobility Command. Fraser is currently the assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
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.
