Gen. Philip Breedlove last week took over as Air Force vice chief of staff. He succeeds Gen. Howie Chandler, who held the position since last August and is retiring, effective March 1. Breedlove received his fourth star just prior to assuming the vice chief’s post on Jan. 14. Breedlove is a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours, primarily in the F-16. He served most recently as deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements, a position he held since August 2009. Among his many assignments, Breedlove served as the 3rd Air Force commander at Ramstein AB, Germany, from July 2008 to August 2009. Last fall, the Senate confirmed his nomination to receive the fourth star for his new assignment. (SAF/PA report by TSgt. Jess Harvey) (Breedlove’s updated biography)
Walking the flight line occupied by Blackhawk attack helicopters and American troops on rotation at the “MK” air base in Romania, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted the important strategic value of one of NATO’s newest members Oct. 20 ahead of NATO defense ministerial meetings in Brussels Oct. 21-22.…