Gen. James Holmes, former deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements at the U.S. Air Force, has officially assumed leadership of the Air Combat Command during a ceremony held Friday at Joint Base Langley–Eustis in Virginia.
The Air Force said Friday Holmes succeeded Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, who retired from service after a 39-year military career.
Former U.S. president Barack Obama nominated Holmes as ACC commander in September.
“We now face new and revised challenges from both great and regional powers who threaten the survival of our American experiment, seek to isolate us from our friends and allies and hope to redefine the world on their terms,” said Holmes.
“Our success and survival as a nation in the face of these threats are not guaranteed – it depends on all Americans to uphold ideals and make our union more perfect.”
Holmes began his military career in 1981 and previously commanded units that include the 27th Fighter Squadron, the 14th Operations Group, the 4th Fighter Wing and the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing.
He also served as the vice commander of the Air Education and Training Command at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas where he managed the recruitment, training and education of Air Force personnel.
