If what we heard late Thursday is accurate, the Senate Armed Services Committee has blessed Gen. Norton Schwartz to be Air Force Chief of Staff and Gen. Duncan McNabb to replace him at US Transportation Command. Early on Thursday, ABC News had reported that Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), committee chairman, planned to “postpone action” on the Schwartz nomination because of lingering questions over his Congressional testimony from 2003. Now, we hear, Schwartz and McNabb are cleared for full Senate confirmation, but that the nomination of Michael Donley to be Air Force Secretary is still on hold. Stay tuned.
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.

