Gen. Mark Welsh became the Air Force’s 20th Chief of Staff during a ceremony at JB Andrews, Md., on Aug. 10. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley swore in Welsh at 11:56 a.m. US East Coast time. “Today, being sworn in as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, I just feel humble,” Welsh told the assembled airmen and guests after assuming command. “No one has been more proud to be your Chief of Staff, and it’s about time I get to work.” Welsh replaced Gen. Norton Schwartz, who served as Chief of Staff since August 2008 and is retiring from the Air Force after 39 years in uniform.
The Pentagon is counting on Congress to navigate a legislative tightrope and pass a party-line bill to fund nearly a quarter of its $1.5 trillion budget request for fiscal 2027, including billions of dollars for top priorities like Golden Dome, the F-35, munitions, and unmanned systems. Experts and lawmakers from…