In a letter to airmen, Air Combat Command boss Gen. John Corley, who relinquishes command Sept. 10 and formally retires from the service Nov. 1, wrote that after some 36 years, “The most important thing I learned is that the Air Force is made up of the best and brightest people our nation has to offer.” Corley, who graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1973, continued, “I am honored to have served with such talented individuals and gifted teammates.” Succeeding Corley as ACC commander is Gen. William Fraser III.
The Air Force saw a massive surge in staff sergeant promotions in 2025, with the biggest year-over-year increase in rates since 2001.