Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper speaks at a ceremony in which Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. succeeds Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein as the Air Force chief of staff at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, August 6, 2020.
Transcript
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen today, the men and women of the United States Air Force will welcome General Charles Q Brown Jr as the 22nd Chief of staff of the United States Air Force and pay special tribute to the 21st Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force General David L. Goal 13 on the occasion of his retirement from active duty. The host for today’s ceremony is the Secretary of United States Air Force, the honorable Barbara M. Barrett were also honored to have members of the official party the Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Marty Esper, the chairman joint. She’s a staff general, Mark Milley and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Kalief. Right. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. The Air Force Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain Major General Stephen A Chic will now deliver the invocation. All right, forgive me. Please join me. His we pray loving God. On this historic day, we’re reminded that evidence of your faithfulness is above us around us and within us. It’s also on display in the two extraordinary airman standing before us. Both exemplify uncommon measures of competence, character and faith. Both know full well that freedom is not a birthright and that it’s earned one generation at a time. Chief 21 calls This is sacred duty. He and Don have left nothing on the table and are credited for having enlarged the prospects of peace all over the world. Chief 22 is sad in the left seat of nearly every aircraft in our inventory. We celebrate on many levels the diversity he will bring to the leadership of our air force and how grateful we are that a New Year’s Eve party more than three decades ago landed him a perfect companion for the journey. We joined General Brown and his gratefulness for sharing, and finally we pray you guard and guide every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, Coast guardsmen and space professional in the sacred duty that is theirs. For this is our prayer. A man. Please be seated. We begin our ceremony with four Cohan’s songs, a feature selection performed by the United States Air Force bands, Ceremonial brass way. Ladies and gentlemen, the United States Air Force is proud to present the men and women of the United States Air Force on our guard battles of old color guard led the charge, braving enemy fire to inspire their fellow worries of victory. Escorting the colors of the United States of America is the United States Air Force on a guard. This 220 member ceremonial unit is made up of various career fields that served in military conflicts and humanitarian efforts throughout the world. Marching before you with pride is the Air Force is best. The Air Force Honor Guard. A distinctive feature of military ceremonies is the formal presentation of command to the reviewing official. After the Commander of Troops presents the command, musical honors will be played in honor of the Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Marcy Esper. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing for the advancement of the colors and the singing of our national anthem by our United States Air Force singing sergeants. Oh, way ! Yeah ! Way ! Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Secretary Barrett one now symbolically execute the passing of the Air Force Chief of Staff. Flag from General goal Feen to General Brown, appointing him as the 22nd chief of staff of the United States Air Force. Historically, the passing of a flag was accomplished in front of the unit so all could see and witness the changing of leadership. This symbolic tradition first began in the year force with the first chief of staff, General Karl A. Spots, and the first secretary of the Air Force, the honorable W. Stuart Symington, in September 1947 through 25 secretaries and 21 chiefs. The passing of the chief of staff, like, also affirms the commitment of our civilian and military leaders working together to better the institution. The flag is entrusted to the chief message sergeant of the Air Force, Kalief right, symbolically expressing the special trust and responsibility afforded to the Air Force’s enlisted members. This symbolic military tradition continues as General David L. Golfen now relinquish his responsibility to General Charles Q. Brown Jr. Who accepts the responsibility as the 22nd chief of staff of the United States Air Force by direction of the president of the United States of America. General Charles Q. Brown Jr is appointed as the chief of staff of the United States Air Force, effective 06 August 2020. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise as Secretary Barrett swears in General Brown as the new Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, Mrs. Brown will hold the ceremonial bible from the Chief of Staff’s Office Every Chief of staff of the United States Air Force. Since the first Chief of Staff, General Karl A. Spots has sworn in with this ceremonial bible. Please be seated. The Second Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, decided the chief of staff of the Air Force should be set apart from other officers. As the leader of the Air Force, he approved an embellishment of the happened of the service cap with clouds, darts and lightning bolts. At this time, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force right will present General Brown with a distinct service cap of the Chief of staff of the United States Air Force. The men and women of the year force take great pride and also welcoming Mrs Shereen Brown as the 22nd 1st lady of our Air Force in lieu of flour presentation to Mrs Brown, a donation to the Air Force Assistant Fund was made in honor of all active guard, reserve and civilian airman and their families. Please rise as Secretary Esper Presents the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General David Algal Feen and the Defense Decisions Public Service Medal to Mrs Don a Goal FEEN Attention to Orders The President of the United States of America. Authorized by Act of Congress, July 9 1918. Awards The Distinguished Service Medal to General David L. Golfen for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility. General Gulf. Indistinct himself as the 21st chief of staff. United States Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington District of Columbia from 1 July 2016 to 6 August 2020. As the highest ranking United States Air Force officer. His exemplary leadership and vision were central in transforming the service to meet the national defense strategy, focusing on the air force, talent and capabilities needed for future cross domain conflicts. General Goldfein privatized joint warfighting excellence through revitalizing squadrons. Strengthen your joint leaders and teams and joint all domain command and control. A bold advocate for empowering airman, he pushed authority and freedom of action to the lowest levels, inspiring greater autonomy, the central size, decision and innovation as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, general goal finisher of our nation’s land, sea, air and space forces delivered unparalleled military capability to combatant commanders for ongoing and future global operations. His steady leadership during the establishment of the US Space Force reinforce the foundation of trust and partnership between the services that will extend far into the future over his career. General Dolphins Dynamic leadership and outstanding achievements in war and peace extensively contributed to the improvement of our Air Force, the United States military and the nation. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Goldfein Coleman a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States. Air Force Secretary Esper will now present the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service to Mrs Dawn Hagel Feen Attention orders Mrs Don A Gulf in is recognized for distinguished public service and support of the members of the United States Armed Forces from July 2016 to July 2020. Mrs. Golding’s passionate leadership, steadfast dedication and bold efforts exemplified excellence During four decades as a military spouse and community volunteer. Her compassionate advocacy for service members, veterans and their families led to countless initiatives to improve the Department of Defense and strengthen the quality of our force. Mrs. Goldfein was instrumental in developing joint force initiatives that focused on spouse employment, education and warfighter mental health, while also easing burdens caused by frequent deployments, training and military moves. As a spouse ambassador, she utilized her vassals comedian network as a platform to voice concerns and raise awareness of the challenges faced by military families. Mrs. Golfen enabled key connections with over 40 international air chiefs and their spouses as well as 200 air attaches, from taking the lead on critical Gold Star family issues to championing invisible wounds initiatives. Mrs. Goldsteins visionary leadership resulted in institutional changes that will strengthen national defense, promote dignity and respect, and improve the balance between work and life demands. The distinctive accomplishments of Mrs Goldfinger reflect great credit upon herself in the Department of Defense. For the last four years, General and Mrs Goal Feen and Chief mess assertion of the Air Force and Mrs Right have served as our Air Forces Military Command team in honor of the special relationship symbolic of command teams across the Air Force. General Goldfein, Achievements sergeant of the Air Force right, decided it was most fitting to participate in each other’s retirement ceremony’s We Now Welcome the 18th Chief Message Sergeant of the Air Force and Mrs Right to Join General and Mrs Goldstein for General Dolphins retirement General Dolphins daughter Captain Daniel Fleming will now read her father’s retirement order as chief message version of the Air Force. Right, Retires General Bull Feen. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Department of the Air Force Washington District of Columbia Special Order number 52 dated 24 June 2020 by order of the Secretary of the Air Force Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force General David L. Goldstein is retired from active duty, effective 1 October 2020 after 37 years of faithful and honorable duty. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated Along with congratulatory letters from current and former presidents of the United States. General Goldfein also received congratulatory letters from former secretaries of defense and award from the Department of the Army, Navy and Air Force. These will be displayed for viewing in front of the P 51 static display during the reception. Secretary Bird will now present Mrs Goldstein with the certificate of appreciation on behalf of the men and women of the United States Air Force. As first lady of the Air Force, Mrs Golding’s advocacy for airman and families led to countless initiatives to further evolved and strengthened current and future quality of life programs. Mrs. Golfing Champion, Innovative and Inclusive Airman and family initiatives to include spouse, license, shirt and employment programs an exceptional family members support. She enabled development of a continuum of care vision to support airman with traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress, resulting in an expanded invisible wounds program. Recently, Mrs Golfing completed a book Sharing the Journey, a Military Spouse Perspective for New Commander Spouses, published by Air University in honor of her contributions. With our deep appreciation, we present you this certificate as a remembrance of your years as a member of the Air Force family. In lieu of flowers, a contribution has been made to the that others may live foundation in honor Mrs Golden’s eternal gratitude for rescuing her husband from behind enemy lines. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise of the posting of the colors. Please be seated. The United States Air Force on a guard will now pass in review in honor of the Secretary of Defense, the honorable Marty Esper. This time honored tradition dates back to the Revolutionary War, in which a commanding officer inspects the men and women seven beneath them for their appearance techniques, precision and battle readiness. It is customary for the senior official to receive the pass in review. However, In this ceremony, Secretary Esper differs this honor to the 22nd chief of staff of the United States Air Force General Charles Q. Brown Jr. As a reminder, civilian should Santa place the right hand over their heart as the colors passed before then, and military members in uniform should render the hand salute. Ladies and gentlemen, the 27th Secretary of Defense, the honorable Marty Esper. Well, good morning, everyone. What a wonderful event. How about a round of applause for everybody? Put this together and good morning. It is great to be here as we honor General David Goldfein for a lifetime, a remarkable service and welcome General Charles CQ Brown as the 22nd chief of staff of the United States Air Force to our distinguished guests, colleagues, friends and family. Thank you for your presence in person here and remotely the general gold friend’s wife, Don and your daughter’s Danny and Diana. On behalf of the department, defense and the nation. Thank you for your unfailing devotion to your husband, to your father, to the Air Force, to the country. Thank you all very much. Today we celebrate general gold fiends 37 years of distinguished service Tarnation, and recognize his steady leadership as the Air Force’s most senior airman. Over the past four years. In this role, General Goldfein tackled the monumental task of organizing, training and equipping the most advanced, the most capable and the most lethal Air force in the world and in history. During his tenure, he led nearly 700,000 Airman, active duty, guard and Reserve as well as their families in executing the Air Force mission across the globe. At the same time, he pushed a budget of nearly $700 billion across the future years defense program in support of joint warfighters and combatant commanders, boosting current operations and advancing critical initiatives. He also made history his leadership was crucial and laying the foundation for what is now our sixth and newest military service. The United States Space Force Gerald Gold Team was in the right place at a very important time. As the department laid out the national defense strategy in 2018 the first revision of its kind in a decade. After nearly 20 years of conflict in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, the NDS shifted our focus once again toward high intensity conflict against near peers in an era of great power competition. When he became the chief of staff in 2016 General Goldfein already understood what the Air Force needed to do in order to adapt to the changing, complex security environment in which we now live through his focus on revitalizing squadrons and preparing joint leaders, he recognized that maintaining our competitive advantage meant first investing in our most precious resource are people because the General Goldfein, the core fighting units of the Air Force are much stronger and airmen are better prepared to lead in a joint environment. Since then, he has worked directly entire sleep to maintain our nation’s hard earned technological overmatch from modernizing nuclear nuclear capabilities such as the B 21 Raider to advancing the development of game changing technologies such as hyper sonics and from developing the next generation of air dominance platform for tomorrow’s high in conflict to advancing joint all domain command control Jad see to a critical capability that will drive our military’s joint warfighting excellence for decades to come. The Defense Department and the American people rely on leaders like General David Goldfein, who can think years and decades ahead, preparing the nation for the unknown. It’s that thinking, not hardware, tactics and other things alone that will protect our country because of general gold things. Leadership. The Air Force has demonstrated that it is completely prepared to carry out the work of the nation in the midst of a global pandemic. Something I saw firsthand in my recent visits to Lackland in Whiteman Air Force Base is General Goldfein. Dave RMN thrive in today’s environment because of your strong leadership and your steadfast commitment to upholding the core values of the Air Force, Integrity service and excellent each and every day. United States America is safer because of you. Thank you for your lifetime of service to our great nation. We wish you and your family all the best in the next chapter. Thank you. Now I am excited to welcome back General Charles CQ Brown with this wife, Shereen, and their two sons, Sean and Ross, who, I’m told, are excited to have mom and dad back on the East Coast in the same time zone. In returning to the Pentagon, General Brown brings with him more than 35 years of service, distinguished by a depth of expertise and experience that makes him exceptionally qualified to be our nation’s next air force chief of staff. At the beginning of his career, General Brown proved his mettle in combat as a fighter pilot and showcase his talent as a Air Force weapons officer. These qualities served him well as a squadron commander, a two time wing commander and notably as commandant of the prestigious United States Air Force Weapons School, which ingrained in General Brown the institutions motto of staying humble, approachable, incredible principles that have guided him throughout his service. Then, as the director of operations of US air Forces in Europe and Africa, General Brown gained first hand experience in return rushing Russian aggression and deepened this insight into countering violent extremist organizations on the African continent. This prepared General Brown well for his role as the commander of US forces, Central command, where he masterfully orchestrated and led the air war against the Islamic state. Most recently as the commander of Pacific Air Forces, General Brown led a force of more than 46,000 airman to provide combat power to the Indo Pacific region while uniting allies and partners and enhancing regional stability and security. General Brown, the lessons you learned and experience you gained in each and every assignment will help you excel in this new role, I’m sure, and I know you will do so While inspiring and leading our nation’s airman, I’m confident that you will take the Air Force to even greater heights, and I’m excited to watch you lied. Congratulations. In closing, I want to thank the men and women of the United States Air Force who remain ready the fly and fight and when any time, anywhere, all the time. And I thank their families who have endured the hardships and sacrifices to support our mission. For more than seven decades, the United States Air Force has provided our nation with unyielding vigilance, boundless reach and unmatched power all across the globe. Today, hundreds of thousands of airman, active duty, guard and reserve continue in that proud legacy. Just a General Goldfein has done from nearly four decades. And his General Brown will continue to do in the next few years to come. I want to commend all of you for stepping up for stepping out and for answering our great nations call. It is because of your steadfast commitment to support and defend our Constitution that we remain strong and secure in a beacon of freedom to the world. Thank you, Ladies and gentlemen, the 25th Secretary of the Air Force, the honorable Barbara M. Berry. Thank you. During every Middle Eastern conflict since David Goldfein first pinned on his gold bars, he has put his life at risk. Everyone has a David Gold team story. I’d like to share a couple of personal favorites which give you the essence of David Goldfein. In 1991 over Iraq, Captain David Goldfein led a multinational combat search and rescue mission for a downed Harrier pilot When others were forced to abandon the search, he alone repeatedly patrolled the aircraft’s last known position until he eventually contacted the downed pilot with complete disregard for his own safety. He suppressed enemy fire until American forces were able to rescue the pilot. He earned the first of two distinguished flying crosses with valor for that mission. His bravery and unwavering commitment to his country were again evident in Serbia in 1999. This time he was the downed pilot. Imagine this flying is F 16 over Servia being hit by an enemy surface to air missile, ejecting from his, as he called it, very expensive glider parachuting into enemy territory, gathering his tell tale parachute, running for tree cover, calling for rescue and signaling his location. Evading enemy pursuers, eventually dashing for his life to, ah, hovering helicopter being thrown on the floor and covered by his body, armored rescuers and helicoptering out of enemy enemy territory for safety. After this, any mere mortals might might reassess his career choice or at least spend a few days calming jittery nerves. But not David Gold thing. The next night, the very next night he flew and other combat mission. Dave Goldfein is an extraordinary warrior. Myriad stories chronicle David Gold chains impact on individual airman Here’s one. Air Force Master Sergeant John Chapman’s name is etched on the Medal of Honor panel at the Air Force Memorial. A photo of Sergeant Chapman was above Dave Goldsteins desk for years, a constant reminder of courage, sacrifice, excellence and valor. That airman exhibit every day as the driving force behind Sergeant Chapman’s receiving the Medal of Honor. General Gold being fought through bureaucratic resistance and red tape to award John Chapman the recognition that he earned because of general gold fines. Leadership. Sergeant Chapman’s selfless service and sacrifice in Afghanistan was recognized. General Goldsteins arc of influence extends from airman toe operations and weapons systems. He has said that what is best for the joint force is best for the Air Force A mug. His legacies are squadron revitalisation Force Modernization, the B 21 Raider data all data management. Did you Tate did it. Digitization. Monumental groundwork behind the Space Force and the ever present Jad C. Two wingman, colleague and friend. You care genuinely For every air man under your command, nearly 700,000 of them Airman rightly revere you. We all salute you, and now you’re worthy successor. The incomparable General Charles Q. Brown as the son and nephew of breakthrough military pioneers who commissioned through Army ROTC following in their pioneering footing it footsteps. General CQ Brown graduated from the United States Air Force is famed F 16 weapons school. You served as the commandant of that preeminent institution and commanded both app absent and pack out CQ fought and lead airman in combat in Korea, Italy, Southwest Asia, Germany and the Indo Pacific. His assignments are unmatched across the Middle East, Europe and the Pacific. And now, after 35 years of demonstrated excellence, General Brown will serve as the Air Force’s chief of staff. He brings a wealth of joint leadership experiences and global perspectives to that office. As a student of history, General Brown occasionally quotes military, government and other thought leaders such a so instant Churchill, Colonel John Boyd, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. President Ronald Reagan and the Olympian Jesse Owens. So on this historic day, I would like to quote General Douglas MacArthur who could have been describing General Brown when he said, Quote, a true leader does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. From 1947 until today, the United States Air Force has only 21 chiefs of staff on the world. As the world continues to shift toward great power competition, Chief 22 will have an outsized impact on the nation by accelerating modernization, building the force for 2040 and collaborating arm in arm with the nation space spores. There is no better officer to take the stick as Air Force chief of staff than General CQ brown. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a lot to 02 General Brown and Mrs Brown, would you join me in thanking them? I think, ladies and gentlemen, the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark A Millie. Good morning, everyone. And, uh, it’s really humbling for me to be here amongst all these Air Force personnel, men and women of the Air Force, a Zamir ground pounder in the army. Back in 1947 we let the Air Force become the Air Force, and I swore the fingers before he retired. I would bring the Air Force back to the army, and I failed. But I want to thank you because I’m wearing the uniform of Hap Arnold in honor of you fingers. And I even did the 12 o’clock I crushed that. So just for you. But thank you all for being here. Thank you so much. And there are many, many people air distinguished guests and visitors. A lot of former secretaries of the Air Force, several former chiefs of staff of the Air Force, the Joint Chiefs of here, Senior enlisted advisors are all here. SEAQ senior enlisted in the entire joint forces here. Many men and women of great distinguished background. Congressman Ah, here is, well, some senators a year, so thank you all for coming. But one that is one person here I do want to point out, is a guy named Edward White that I had the honor of meeting yesterday. He’s the first African American candidate to be an astronaut back in the 19 sixties. He is one of the original right stuff test pilots. And I wonder. Thank him for being here and thank him for his lifetime of service is well to the United States of America. So, Edward, if you could stand up wherever you’re at, there he is right there. And welcome, of course. Ah, to both the families, the goal feet, family and the brown family’s and both fingers and seek. You clearly are very lucky to have great families and have given so much to our country both. I grew up in military families and Air Force families, both of the sons of career officers who clearly have married up. Dawn has been fingers that my finger side since they were high school sweethearts back in the day throughout 19 assignments in the Air Force, and in addition of that, she’s had her own 29 year career as a school teacher. She’s led initiatives across every service organization and you can imagine. And she’s enhanced the quality of life of all of our veterans and military families. And their daughter, Diana, is 1/3 generation Air Force officer. She read the retirement orders for fingers, and Danny is ah, third generation teacher, and both had their first child within the same month, and both are now do for their second child within the same week. So I’m not sure how family planning goes on the fingers household, but that’s pretty impressive. Girls, I know that your mom and dad would be the first to tell you that without your unconditional love and support that you gave fingers and the energy and determination that you provided him. It would have never excelled in this organization called the Air Force and to Serene and Sean and Ross seek use family equally. So your unwavering support for your husband and your father throughout his career all over the world. That is why he is here today, and he’s ready to serve in this vital role is Chief 22 thanks to each of you for your commitment in your service. Today is your day as well, for everything you have done for the Air Force, for the joint Force and for our nation. So around applause about the Goldsteins and Brown families and welcome most of all for the men and women in United States Air Force, the most powerful air force in history. The world is secretary, defense is mentioned, and it’s the most powerful and capable because of its weapons and technology, to be sure, but much more importantly, its most powerful and capable of lethal because of its people from top to bottom and at the top is the chief of staff. The nation’s senior airman and the chief of staff of the Air Force holds multiple responsibilities ah service chief presiding over the air staff, advancing the service capabilities to enhance their legality and training and manning and equipping. He’s an international air chief, finding common cause among allies and partners and ensuring that we stand shoulder to shoulder against potential adversaries. He’s also a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a direct military adviser to the president of United States with Secretary Defense. The national Security Counts on the Homeland Security Council Fingers has demonstrated exceptional competence in all of these roles, readiness and modernization and talent management innovation as we prepare the Air Force for the changing character of war in the future, the execution of the NDS to deal with the return of great power competition and the regional threats and continued terrorism. He’s integrated. The Air Force is a key component of the joint force and concepts like Jay Gatsby to and And of course, he was instrumental in the creation of the Space Force and the recapitalization of the nuclear enterprise. And the list of accomplishments goes on and on that demonstrate the extraordinary competence and achievements of day golfing. It’s almost analysts, but it’s not competence that makes fingers the great leader. He is his character. Those are the qualities that really make someone stand out. Separate the wheat from the chap. You don’t really see someone’s character in good times. It’s easy to be great when the sun is shining, but you really find out what people are made of when the chips are down, when things are not going so well, when tension is high, nerves afraid people are dying. The smoke is blood. There’s the risk of death when the stakes are high and everything is on the line. That’s when you really find out what people are made of, and you find out where your friends are. And I can tell you that Fingers never failed the test of that crucible. The Crucible. When it counts, he’s always there, regardless of cost to himself. He stands with his teammates no matter what he maintains. His integrity, miss humility. He never backs down from truth to power. And when things were at the worst, General David Goldfein is that his best? I have known and serve side by side with fingers for many, many years, and I can tell you from personal observation, I can tell you firsthand. He’s the best teammate anyone could ever ask for. He is totally first class and everything he does, and he’s always there to help when things are bad. In short, I can tell you that Dave Goldfein is not only a good and lifelong personal friend, but he’s the finest and most professional officer I have ever met in any branch of service. Thanks fingers for being who you are the leader. You have always been the best of friends to all of us and the friend that you will always be each of us and as we say farewell to Dave and Don, we also recognize that today is an historic day. Is General Brown assumes the role of chief of staff of the Air Force? CQ comes in as a seasoned warrior whose commanded as the secretary of Air Force mentioned in Europe, in the Middle East, Pacific and elsewhere, and each of those crucial regions, General Brown is extended our warfighting readiness and reach and forged unbreakable links with our allies and partners, advanced joint operations and in CQ we have all that is good about America. He not only represents exceptional confidence as well in strategic intellect, an impeccable character. But in CQ, we see that America could be a better place. You see, today is not really about the gold fiends and the browns. It’s not really about fingers and seek you. It’s really about something much bigger and just the passing of colors. It’s really about an idea that’s worth defending. That’s embodied in those few sentences that Secretary Barrett Red to seek you. It’s about the oath that we all take the North to, an idea that is codified in our Constitution, an idea that is powerful enough to bring down tyrannies and Dictatorships, an idea that’s feared by our enemies like Al Qaeda and Isis and the idea that’s emulated by our friends. And like all powerful ideas, it’s very simple and one that can be understood by all of us. And it’s an idea that we’re not only sworn to protect and defend, but it’s an idea that we have all said we’re willing to die for. We’re willing down, lose a leg or suffered tremendous hardship and sacrifice. It’s also an idea that we should all be wanting to live for, regardless of the cost to ourselves. So what is this simple, powerful idea. It’s tonight here that says that you and I, regardless, whether we’re black or white doesn’t matter for Asian or Indian, or no matter what the color of our skin is, it doesn’t matter for Catholic or Protestant, Muslim or Jew. Er, choose not to believe it all. It doesn’t matter for male or female, gay or straight or something in between. It doesn’t matter what our last name is. It doesn’t matter what our country of origin is does not matter for tall, a short, younger role, Richard. Poor, famous or common. What matters is that under these colors of red, white and blue under the stars and strikes, we are all Americans, and we are all every one of us born free and equal, and we will rise or fall based on our knowledge. Our skills or attributes are competence in our merit, and we’re gonna be judged but the content of our character, not the color of our skin. That is the organizing concept, the core principle of the idea that is America codified in our Constitution that we’re all sworn to protect and defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic and that we will never turn out back on that constitution, no matter what the price. It is that idea that beats in the hearts and souls of every airman, soldier, sailor, Marine Coast Guardsmen that has ever worn this uniform. It is that idea that the Air Force defends every single day. It’s that idea that we celebrate today. And we can all see the living embodiment of that idea in these two great officers. Dave Goldfein CQ brown fingers. I’m gonna miss you deeply and seek you. I look forward to working with you Is the 22nd Air Force Chief of Staff. Greatest Air Force in the world. You’re gonna be a legend in our journey toe Forge a more perfect union. God bless the both of you. Ladies and gentlemen, the 21st Chief of staff of the Air Force General David L Goal Feen. Well, good morning, ladies and gentlemen. And thank you for joining us in this most extraordinary moment in our Air Force history. Secretary Esper, Secretary Barrett, Chairman Millie, Thank you for your kind words, your leadership and your trust as my good friend, who is here today, Mr Tom Friedman often reminds US Trust is our only legal performance enhancing drug, and it’s been my honor to serve with you to my wingman, cheap, right, and his lovely wife, Tanya. Of all the decisions I made, his chief the best, by far was hiring cheap right who I’m honored to retire next week. Thanks for standing with me and on today, just as we have together over these past four years. And I hope we’ve offered an example to all for what a relationship can become between a senior officer and a senior N CEO at every echelon of leadership, members of Congress, industry, teammates, family and friends. Thank you for your support doing the nation’s business and for working tirelessly to strengthen and rebuild our military. Four years ago, when I swore my oath to protect and defend our Constitution, I knew this position is chief carried unimaginable responsibilities. But quickly into the job, I began to absorb the history and the majesty and importance that surrounded my daily commute to my office in the Pentagon. I call it the Walk of the Chief. For four years. It was my honor toe walk in the same footsteps and travel the same path is every chief before me Giants of air power, several of whom are here today. The Walk of the chief begins at the Air House along Generals Row afford Meyer, otherwise known as Quarter seven, perched over the famous Whipple field, where the Wright Brothers first took flight for the military since completion in 1909 it was the home of historical leaders like General and Mrs Dwight D. Eisenhower, General Hap and Be Arnold and Generals Omar Bradley and Matthew Ridgway. And in 1960 it became home to General Thomas D. White, Air Force chief of staff number four. And it has been the home of every chief and first lady of the Air Force since, and leaving the Air House for my whopping seven minute commutes to the Pentagon with the best personal security team on the planet. I drive past Arlington Cemetery, the burial ground for more than 400,000 service members and their families, a daily reminder of the responsibility one carries as chief to take care of the greatest treasure in our nation’s arsenal. The young men and women entrusted to our care sacred duty and I then see in the distance. The inspiring Air Force Memorial watching over the Pentagon in Washington, D. C. Honoring the service, the heritage in the valor of the men and women of the long blue line. And as President Bush, an airman himself, noted at the dedication, a soldier can walk the battlefields where he one spot a Marine can walk the beaches. He wants storm, but an airman can never visit the patch of sky. He or she raced across on a mission to defend freedom. Those spires 402 feet in the air and bombers made possible by a team who never gave up the dream of a memorial designed for airman. And the man who led that team is here today, and I want to thank Mr Ross Perot Jr and Mr Matt Bird for the inspiration behind our grand memorial and thank you for joining us today and for your vision. And what an honor to be able to contribute to that memorial with a quote on the valor wall. Thank you again for that tribute, Madam Secretary. And then I arrived at the Pentagon, and as I walked into the building and up the stairs, the chief’s office. I’m humbled by a few Touchstones. The first thing I see is the pictures of the Joint Chiefs, my teammates and I’m reminded of my solemn obligation is the lead airman to provide thoughtful advice to the chairman, our secretary of defense, the National Security Council and our president, the commander in chief. So my tank battle buddies, my fellow joint Chiefs. It has been a true honor to have been your teammate these past four years. And as I climbed the steps, I see the oath the chief Brown just took. The words was powerful today as they were when I stood in the field house at the Air Force Academy in 1978. And as chairman Millie reminded us all last month, military members were an oath to support and defend the Constitution. We, the U. S. Military hold dear, the Constitution and the principle of on a political military that is so deeply rooted in the very essence of our republic. And then I see on the wall the preamble to the Constitution beginning we, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union. That reminds me for that those of us privileged to wear the uniform. We ride for the brand, a more perfect union as we defend this great experiment called democracy. And as I continue up the stairwell on the Walk of the Chief, I see my favorite painting in the entire building. It depicts the inside of the original Strategic Air Command chapel with a military family kneeling at the altar, praying together before the airman heads out on a deployment. And the inscription on the frame is from Isaiah and the Lord. God asked, Whom shall I send? Who will go for us and the response? Here I am. Send me. Not only do we ride for the brands, we fly to the sound of the guns. It’s our calling and the essence of our duty as America’s airman. And across from that painting are three flags slightly dipped in reverence of our Department of the Air Force now, including our newest service, the United States Space Force, reminding me of the quote we were required to memorize at the academy. Why do Hey, victory smiles upon those who anticipate the change in the character of war, not upon those who wait to adapt themselves after the changes occur, and under Chief Raymond’s inspiring leadership victory will smile when the call comes. And as I walked the final steps down Arnold Corridor to the chief’s office, I see the paintings of all the former secretaries and chiefs, and it’s a reminder that it takes both the civilian and the military leaders working together as a team to make a difference and move a service, neither one Kenbrell lasting change alone. It is the ultimate team contact sport and a relationship that both must work equally hard to establish that level of trust and confidence that the institution in the nation deserve. And at the end of the day, I get to do it all again in reverse as I go home to my family. Of all the blessings of serving as the 21st chief, the best, by far is having the chance to do so. Side by side with my best friend in my high school sweetheart and for the past 37 years, she adjusted her dreams. Still, I could follow mine. So, don, of all the wonderful opportunities I’ve been given in my life, nothing compares to marrying you, being blessed with our two beautiful daughters, Danny and Diana, having great son in law’s. I’m proud to call friends and now our growing family and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together as the world’s greatest Nana and Papa. So yesterday I took the Chiefs walk for the final time, and I could not be prouder that a true warrior leader and personal friend will be taking his first walk of the chief tomorrow. As the 22nd chief of staff of the Air Force, Don and I could not be more excited to watch our Air Force in our airman flourish Undersea cues and sure, Eanes proven and talented leadership. Congratulations to both of you. The future Ireports has never looked brighter. The ladies and gentlemen is my been my utmost honor to serve as Chief 21 and let us all remember the sacrifices of our airman, Our soldiers, our sailors or Marines are Coast Guardsman and our space professionals and their families. And let’s be strengthened by their courage, remain hopeful for America’s future and inspired by their selflessness, to carry forth the commitment are funding founding fathers made to secure the blessings of freedom that we all enjoy. May God bless the nation we love on the long blue line who always have and always will defender. Thank you. Latest, gentlemen. It is my honor to introduce the 22nd Chief of staff of the United States airports General Trough Q Brown Jr. I’m simply in awe today, the backdrop behind me. And when the Color Guard started marching in, I realized this is real. I mean, are you even standing here is a 20 cent. Get the Air Force chief of staff, considering I’d only plan to stay in the Air Force four years and almost quit all to see after the first semester. Yet here I am, in a position I never thought imaginable. Our congressional department offense leadership are many distinguished guests family, friends, joint and coalition partners and many women. United States Air Force. Good morning. Before going any further, Serena, I would like to express our gratitude. There’s so many that have played a key role throughout our Air Force journey in our transition back to the national capital region and in today’s ceremony, we very much appreciate all you’ve done, and we’ll continue to do with each leadership opportunity I’ve had during my Air Force career have been extremely honored, blessed and proud. Today is no exception. I’m honored by your president day in person, and virtually this is a special day for the Browns for the gold chains and four Air Force were honored that you take the time to celebrate with us today. I’m honored by the trust and confidence shown by the president, the vice president, Senate Secretary Esper, Secretary Barrett, Journal Millie and journal Goldfine. In the abilities of me answering to lead an advocate for Air Force are women and their families. I’m honored that Sharon and I are able to follow our friends Don and Dave golfing as an ex chief of staff team, and we appreciate all you’ve done for Air Force and to get us ready. I am honored to continue working with senior leaders from across the Air Force, our joint team in our allies and partners. Once again, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity well beyond my own expectations. I’ve been blessed with a loving, supportive family. I’ve been blessed by Sharon’s family who didn’t object A so far as I know when I asked her to marry me before Serena was blessed, but by my family that provided me the right home training before I started my Air Force training my number one fan in most vocal supporter, my mom, who, oddly enough, has a fear of flying my commissioning officer in the most in control mentor in my career. My dad, his wise counsel over the years to include convinced me not to quit RTC after the first semester has been instrumental in my success. I have been blessed by the unwavering support of my sister Stephanie, and to carry with me influence of my younger brother, Kevin abreast many uncles, aunts, cousins and close friends. We have been impacted on my upbringing and development as an officer in a leader. Finally, and most importantly, I’ve been blessed to have screened by my side and support of our sons, Sean and Ross. Three had different plans before. I’m hearing me. She has since committed so much dark family and become a strong advocate for military families. As a result, Sharon’s commitment and advocacy, Shahn and Ross, or both accomplished in their own right terrain Sean and Roger encouragement, love and support for me and each other has been the cornerstone of our family and instrumental. Do all of our successes. I address you today. I know that I’m proud. Proud to fall extraordinary leaders of our Air Force Jesus staff from Spot the Fogelman who had the opportunity to services aid and the golfing who let her Air Force to cool, where competition in deterrence to conflicts around the world and through challenging butter cycles and tough decisions. I’m proud, Yet humbled to be the T South 22 very much appreciate the outpouring support leading up to today’s ceremony. This is a very historic day for our nation, and I do not take this moment lightly. Today is possible due to the perseverance of those who went before me. Serving is an inspiration to me and so many others. Those like that Ski Chairman Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Chappy Jane’s Charles McGhee, African American Leaves across our Air Force in our military past and present included a special guest, Mr Head, the White America’s first after American astronaut candidate at a pleasure meeting you yesterday and read a great opportunity. You’re quite an inspiration. I appreciate you being here today is due to their trials and tribulations in breaking barriers that I can address you today as the Air Force chief of staff to the men and women, United States Air Force and their families, I’m excited. Serves your chief of staff building on your own golf means three focus areas. I’m committed to addressing today’s challenging wiper, praying for the futures. We can better compete, return, and when do so we missing long. We must no longer differ but must accelerate. They needed change in tough choices we’ve often discussed, we must develop in in power leaders arrived quality of service and quality of life. Where are airman and families can reach your full potential? No doubt there are challenges ahead that will be difficult but not impossible. I look forward to working with the Joint Chiefs, providing our best military advice to address challenges. The joint four spaces today it will face in the future change will require coop collaboration with key stakeholders and take leadership at all levels. You’d expect my leadership to be framed by the same four tenants up views throughout my career executed, I standard. We discuss in execution, pay attention to details and have fun working together and accelerating change. I’m confident that Air Force can continue to be the most dominant. You’re expected Air Force in the world in closing IM extremely honor west and proud of this tremendous privilege to serve as a 22nd chief of staff in United States Air Force. Thank you so much for joining us today for today’s ceremony. And God bless, ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. The men and women of the United States Air Force are proud to warmly welcome the 22nd Chief of staff of the United States Air Force Command, Team General and Mrs Brown and proud to have served with General and Mrs Goldstein and wish them every success in their future endeavours. In keeping with Air Force tradition, we conclude the indoor portion of today’s ceremony. Please rise again toward the year for seeing started performing the Air Force song and the departure of the official party. No, in honor of General and Mrs Brown, please join the official party for a special aerial review at 11 outside the hangar near the parking area, followed by a reception in this hangar to welcome General and Mrs Brown and bid farewell to General and Mrs Gold Feen, please remain in your seats until in usher direct you to the door. Thank you in advance for your patients.