{{short description|US Air Force General}} {{Use American English|date=January 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox military person | name = Ken Wilsbach | image = Gen Kenneth S. Wilsbach (4).jpg | caption = Official portrait, 2025 | birth_name = Kenneth Stephen Wilsbach | birth_date = {{circa}}{{birth year and age|1963}} | birth_place = | death_date = | death_place = | allegiance = United States | branch = United States Air Force | service_years = 1985–present | rank = General | commands = {{ubl |Chief of Staff of the Air Force |Air Combat Command |Pacific Air Forces |Seventh Air Force |Eleventh Air Force |9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force |18th Wing |53rd Wing |33rd Operations Group |19th Fighter Squadron}} | battles = {{Tree list}} *Iraqi no-fly zones conflict **Operation Northern Watch **Operation Southern Watch *War in Afghanistan *2026 Iran war {{Tree list end}} | awards = {{ubl |Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2) |Air Force Distinguished Service Medal |Defense Superior Service Medal (2) |Legion of Merit (3)}} | alma_mater = {{ubl |University of Florida (BS) |Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach (MS) |Naval War College (MS) |National Defense University (MA)}} }} '''Kenneth Stephen Wilsbach'''<ref name="Military Medals Database">{{cite web | title=Kenneth Wilsbach - Recipient - | website=Military Medals Database | url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/392944 | access-date=22 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="Air Force Biographies">{{cite web | title=Kenneth S. Wilsbach - | website=Air Force | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/108478/kenneth-s-wilsbach/ | access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref> (born {{Circa|1963}}) is an American general who serves as the 24th chief of staff of the United States Air Force since 2025. He previously served as the commander of Air Combat Command from 2024 to 2025, and prior to that, he served as the commander of Pacific Air Forces from 2020 to 2024.
==Military career== [[File:JBER 673d ABW Change of Command 180713-F-PP120-1504.jpg|left|thumb|Lieutenant General Kenneth S. Wilsbach at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska in 2018|alt=|222x222px]] Wilsbach was commissioned in 1985 as a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida's Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program, and earned his pilot wings in 1986 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. He has commanded a fighter squadron, an operations group, and two wings, and has held various staff assignments including director of operations, Combined Air Operations Center, and director of operations, United States Central Command.
Wilsbach served as director of operations for Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. From 2006 through 2008 he served as commander of the 53rd Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=12764 |title=Duty Assignments |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120716191103/http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=12764 |archivedate=2012-07-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Wilsbach was promoted to the rank of brigadier general on 17 August 2009 and served as the commander of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan.<ref>[http://www.kadena.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=12564 About Wilsbach] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214112643/http://www.kadena.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=12564 |date=2010-02-14 }}</ref> He was the commander, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force- Iraq; Commander-Air, U.S. Forces- Iraq; and Chief of Staff-Air, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command. He oversaw three air expeditionary air wings and three expeditionary groups consisting of more than 6,900 Airmen directly engaged in combat operations, and advised on joint expeditionary tasked/individual augmentee taskings in the Iraq combined joint operating area. Additionally, Wilsbach served as the Central Command Combined Forces Air Component Commander's personal representative to the commander of Headquarters ISAF as well as the Commander-Air to the Commander U.S. Forces- Iraq, ensuring the optimal integration of air and space power in support of Headquarters ISAF and Operation Enduring Freedom missions.
In June 2018, while serving as commander of the Eleventh Air Force, Wilsbach was nominated for reassignment as deputy commander of United States Forces Korea and commander of the Seventh Air Force.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1557149/general-officer-announcements/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622005031/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1557149/general-officer-announcements/|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 June 2018|title=General Officer Announcements|date=21 June 2018|website=U.S. Department of Defense|access-date=2018-06-21}}</ref> In May 2020, Wilsbach was nominated for promotion to general and reassignment as commander, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and Air Component Commander for United States Indo-Pacific Command.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/116th-congress/1822|title=PN1822 — Lt. Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach — Air Force|date=11 May 2020|website=U.S. Congress|accessdate=2020-05-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2188504/general-officer-announcements/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509070248/https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2188504/general-officer-announcements/|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 May 2021|title=General Officer Announcements|date=15 May 2020|website=U.S. Department of Defense|access-date=2020-05-15}}</ref>
In May 2023, Wilsbach was nominated for assignment as commander, Air Combat Command.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3385231/general-officer-announcements/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505021452/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3385231/general-officer-announcements/|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2023|title=General Officer Announcements |date=4 May 2023 |website=U.S. Department of Defense|publisher= |access-date=2023-05-04}}</ref>
Wilsbach has flown 71 combat missions in Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.
On August 11, 2025 Wilsbach passed command of Air Combat Command to General Adrian L. Spain after finishing his three years tenured as commanding General of Air Combat Command.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Hadley |first=Greg |date=2025-09-30 |title=Wilsbach Nominated to Be Next Air Force Chief |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/wilsbach-next-csaf/ |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Air Force Chief of Staff === Only after a month into retirement, General Wilsbach was recalled to active-duty for appointment as the 24th chief of staff of the Air Force, succeeding the retiring General David W. Allvin.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2025-09-30 |title=Gen. Wilsbach tapped to replace Allvin as Air Force chief |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/09/30/gen-wilsbach-tapped-to-replace-allvin-as-air-force-chief/ |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>
On 01 November 2025, the Senate confirmed Wilsbach to be the chief of staff of the Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2025-10-30 |title=Senate confirms Wilsbach as Air Force chief of staff |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/10/30/senate-confirms-wilsbach-as-air-force-chief-of-staff/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>
In 2025, the Department of Defense purchased a Steinway Grand Piano worth over $98,000 for Wilsbach's government provided quarters.
On 6 March 2026 he sent a letter to the entire Air Force, the second since he became chief of staff, telling airmen to be prepared to support the war with Iran that began on 28 February 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hadley |first=Greg |title=Wilsbach's Message to the Force on Iran: 'We need You Ready' |date=9 March 2026 |work=Air & Space Forces Magazine |access-date=11 March 2026 |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/csaf-wilsbach-message-air-force-iran-ready/ }}</ref>
==Education== [[File:Lieutenant General Kenneth S. Wilsbach Flying F-22 Raptor.jpg|thumb|222x222px|Lieutenant General Kenneth S. Wilsbach Flying a Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor]] [[File:Military leaders brief Alaska legislators 170323-A-SO352-005.jpg|thumb|Lieutenant General Kenneth S. Wilsbach during the Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing at Capitol Hill|alt=|222x222px]] [[File:SD Arrives in Alaska 180624-D-SV709-063 (42091235365).jpg|thumb|222x222px|Lieutenant General Kenneth S. Wilsbach greeted U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis at Fairbanks, Alaska]] * 1985 Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast communication, University of Florida, Gainesville * 1990 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. * 1992 USAF Fighter Weapons Instructor Course, Nellis AFB, Nev. * 1997 Master of Aerospace Science degree, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla. * 1998 Master of Science degree in national securities and strategic studies, Naval Command and Staff College, Newport, R.I. * 2003 Master of Arts degree in national security strategy, Industrial College of the Armed Forces at National Defense University, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. * 2006 Leadership Development Program, Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, N.C. * 2007 Enterprise Leadership Seminar, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill * 2008 Program for Senior Executive Fellows, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. * 2010 Joint Forces Air Component Commander Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala. * 2011 CAPSTONE Executive Development Course, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. * 2013 Coalition Forces Land Component Commander Course, Carlisle Barracks, Pa. * 2014 End mission at Afghanistan. * 2015 Syria for special duty with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
==Assignments== * November 1985 – October 1986, student, undergraduate pilot training, Laughlin AFB, Texas * July 1987 – February 1991, F-15 instructor pilot, 94th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Langley AFB, Va. * February 1991 – July 1993, F-15 instructor pilot and APG-63/70 Test Team Manager, 84th Test Squadron, Tyndall AFB, Fla. * July 1993 – May 1996, instructor pilot and chief, weapons and tactics, 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan * May 1996 – July 1997, aide-de-camp to Commander in Chief, Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii * August 1997 – June 1998, student, Naval Command and Staff College, Newport, R.I. * September 1998 – June 2000, assistant operations officer, and operations officer, 19th Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska * June 2000 – May 2002, commander, 19th Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska * July 2002 – June 2003, student, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. * July 2003 – July 2004, director of operations, Combined Air Operations Center, and director of operations, Central Command Air Forces Forward, Southwest Asia * September 2004 – May 2006, commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. * May 2006 – April 2008, commander, 53rd Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. * April 2008 – June 2009, assistant director of operations, plans, requirements and programs, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, Hawaii * July 2009 – June 2011, commander, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan * June 2011 – April 2013, deputy director for Operations, Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii * April 2013 – April 2014, commander, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force; commander, NATO Air Command-Afghanistan; deputy commander-air, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan; and deputy chief of staff-air, International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan * May 2014 – August 2016, director of operations, U.S. Central Command, MacDill AFB, Fla. * August 2016 – August 2018, commander, Alaskan Region, North American Aerospace Defense Command; commander, Alaskan Command, U.S. Northern Command; and commander, 11th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska * August 2018 – July 2020, deputy commander, United States Forces Korea; commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command; commander, Air Component Command, Combined Forces Command; and commander, 7th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea * July 2020 – February 2024, commander, Pacific Air Forces; air component commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; and executive director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii * February 2024 – August 2025, Commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
==Flight Information== Rating: Command Pilot<br /> Flight Hours: 6100<br /> Aircraft flown: F-16C, F-22A, MC-12W, F-15A-D, T-38, T-37.
==Awards and decorations== {| |150px |US Air Force Command Pilot Badge |} {| |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Defense Distinguished Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=80}} |Defense Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Air Force Distinguished Service ribbon|width=80}} |Air Force Distinguished Service Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|name=Defense Superior Service Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Legion of Merit ribbon|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -57px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -41px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span> |Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Bronze Star Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Bronze Star Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Defense Meritorious Service Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Defense Meritorious Service Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|name=Meritorious Service Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|name=Air Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Air Medal with oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|name=Aerial Achievement Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Aerial Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Air and Space Commendation Medal ribbon|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -57px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -41px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span> |Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Air Force Achievement Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Air Force Achievement Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Joint Meritorious Unit Award (USMC and USN frame)|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -57px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -41px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span> |Joint Meritorious Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters |- |80px |Air Force Meritorious Unit Award |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Outstanding Unit ribbon|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -57px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -41px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span> |Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one silver and one bronze oak leaf clusters |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Combat Readiness Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Combat Readiness Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|name=National Defense Service Medal ribbon, 2nd award|width=80}} |National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|name=Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|name=Afghanistan Campaign Medal ribbon, 1st award|width=80}} |Afghanistan Campaign Medal with service star |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Global War on Terrorism Service Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Korea Defense Service Medal ribbon|width=80}} |Korea Defense Service Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=AF OS Short Tour Ribbon|width=80}} |Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=AF OS Tour Ribbon|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -57px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -41px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span> |Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon with one silver and one bronze oak leaf clusters |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frame.png|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -57px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -41px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span> |Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters and gold frame |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Longevity Service Award USAF|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -72px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -56px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -40px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -24px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">18px</span> |Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and three bronze oak leaf clusters |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|name=USAF Marksmanship ribbon|width=80}} |Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with service star |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Air Force Training Ribbon|width=80}} |Air Force Training Ribbon |- |80px |Order of National Security Merit, Gukseon Medal (Republic of Korea)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://media.defense.gov/2020/Nov/23/2002540735/-1/-1/0/201119-F-IQ718-0177.JPG | format=JPG | title=Two military men with face masks proudly present the certificate for a medal}}</ref> |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=NATO_Medal_ribbon_(Non-Article_5)|width=80}} |NATO Medal for service with ISAF |- |80px |Alaska Legion of Merit |- |80px|ribbon bar |Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/100660755.pdf|title= 令和6年春の外国人叙勲 受章者名簿|access-date= April 29, 2024|work= Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan}}</ref> |- |100px |Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge |- |}
==Promotions== {| class="wikitable" !style="background:#FFFFE0"|Insignia !!style="background:#FFFFE0"| Rank (US Air Force) !!style="background:#FFFFE0"| Date |- |style="background:#88EEEE;"|70x70px ||style="background:#88EEEE;"|General||style="background:#88EEEE;"| 8 Jul 2020 |- |style="background:#88EEEE;"|70px ||style="background:#88EEEE;"|Lieutenant general ||style="background:#88EEEE;"|16 Aug 2016 |- |style="background:#88EEEE;"|70px||style="background:#88EEEE;"| Major general||style="background:#88EEEE;"|19 Apr 2013 |- |style="background:#88EEEE;"|70px ||style="background:#88EEEE;"|Brigadier general|| style="background:#88EEEE;"|17 Aug 2009 |- |style="background:#b2cefe;"|70px||style="background:#b2cefe;"|Colonel|| style="background:#b2cefe;"| 1 Jul 2004 |- |style="background:#b2cefe;"|70px||style="background:#b2cefe;"|Lieutenant colonel|| style="background:#b2cefe;"| 1 Jul 1999 |- |style="background:#b2cefe;"|70px ||style="background:#b2cefe;"|Major||style="background:#b2cefe;"| 1 Dec 1995 |- |style="background:#e6e6aa;"|70px||style="background:#e6e6aa;"|Captain || style="background:#e6e6aa;"| 5 Sep 1989 |- |style="background:#e6e6aa;"|70px|| style="background:#e6e6aa;"|First lieutenant|| style="background:#e6e6aa;"| 5 Sep 1987 |- |style="background:#e6e6aa;"|70px ||style="background:#e6e6aa;"|Second lieutenant||style="background:#e6e6aa;"| 18 Nov 1985
|}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{official|https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/108478/kenneth-s-wilsbach/}} * {{C-SPAN|146341}}
{{s-start}} {{s-mil}} {{s-bef|before=Tod D. Wolters}} {{s-ttl|title=Commander of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan|years=2013–2014}} {{s-aft|after=John K. McMullen}} |- {{s-bef|before=Russell J. Handy}} {{s-ttl|title=Commander of the Eleventh Air Force|years=2016–2018}} {{s-aft|after=Thomas A. Bussiere}} |- {{s-bef|before=Thomas W. Bergeson}} {{s-ttl|title=Commander of the Seventh Air Force|years=2018–2020}} {{s-aft|after=Scott L. Pleus}} |- {{s-bef|before=Charles Q. Brown Jr.}} {{s-ttl|title=Commander of the Pacific Air Forces|years=2020–2024}} {{s-aft|after=Kevin B. Schneider}} |- {{s-bef|before=Mark D. Kelly}} {{s-ttl|title=Commander of Air Combat Command|years=2024–2025}} {{s-aft|after= Adrian L. Spain}} |- {{s-bef|before=David W. Allvin}} {{s-ttl|title=Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|years=2025–present}} {{s-inc}} |- {{s-prec|us}} {{s-bef|before=Daryl L. Caudle|as=Chief of Naval Operations}} {{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States<br>''{{small|as Chief of Staff of the Air Force}}''|years=}} {{s-aft|after=Steven Nordhaus|as=Chief of the National Guard Bureau}} {{s-end}}
{{Current US Department of Defense Secretaries}} {{Current JCS members}} {{CSUSAF}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilsbach, Kenneth S.}} Category:1960s births Category:Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University alumni Category:Chiefs of staff of the United States Air Force Category:College of Naval Command and Staff alumni Category:Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy alumni Category:Grand Cordons of the Order of the Rising Sun Category:Living people Category:Recipients of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal Category:Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit Category:Squadron Officer School alumni Category:United States Air Force generals Category:United States Air Force personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Category:University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications alumni Category:Year of birth uncertain Category:American military personnel of the 2026 Iran war