Retired Air Force Col. Maurice A. Rondeau, 90, died Nov. 12 of complications from open heart surgery, reports the Press Telegram. Rondeau began his career as an aviation cadet in World War II and served in two more wars and as a test pilot. Before his retirement in 1970, he piloted Air Force One for Presidents Johnson and Nixon.
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on fourth-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.