Arlington, VA | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College will honor the Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), in its annual Gathering of Eagles (GOE) capstone event at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL, on May 7–10, 2024. The GOE focuses research and writing about the careers and contributions of airpower legends, referred to as Eagles, who have served the United States during times of war and conflict.
Gen Deptula was selected as an Eagle this year for his significant contributions to air and space power. Featured in Airpower Pioneers: From Billy Mitchell to Dave Deptula, he has accomplished several “firsts” in the command, planning, and execution of aerospace power. Gen Deptula spearheaded efforts behind “Global Reach, Global Power,” the Air Force’s first service-wide mission statement since its founding in 1947. He was the principal attack planner for the Desert Storm air campaign, commander of no-fly zone operations over Iraq, and orchestrated air operations over Afghanistan in 2001. He was the air commander for the South Asia tsunami relief effort, and in 2006 for the entire Pacific Command. He has twice been a Combined/Joint Task Force Commander, served on two congressional commissions determining America’s future defense, and he was the first U.S. Air Force chief of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) where he transformed military ISR and drone enterprises. He has piloted more than 3,000 hours (400 in combat) in multiple operational fighter commands in the F-15, including as an international airshow demonstration pilot.
Gen Deptula remarked, “To be selected as an Eagle is a great honor. I hope future generations of Airmen will reflect on the experiences of my fellow Eagles and I, to both better understand where the service has been and where it is headed. Capitalizing on the lessons of past leaders and innovators can help forge a better future.”
Other 2024 Eagles include retired Gen Jeffrey Harrigian, retired Col James Harvey III, Dr. Natalie Crawford, Gene Kranz, retired Capt Guy Gruters, retired Lt Col Tim “Rhino” Bennett, and retired SFC Clifford Newman.