Mark Welsh

Mark Welsh
Welsh as Chief of Staff of the Air Force in 2012
27th President of Texas A&M University
In office
July 21, 2023 – September 19, 2025
Preceded byM. Katherine Banks
Succeeded byJames Hallmark (acting)
Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service
In office
August 15, 2016 – July 20, 2023
Preceded byRyan Crocker
Succeeded byFrank Ashley (acting)
20th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
In office
10 August 2012 – 24 June 2016
PresidentBarack Obama
Preceded byNorton A. Schwartz
Succeeded byDavid L. Goldfein
Personal details
BornMark Anthony Welsh III
(1954-01-26) January 26, 1954
SpouseBetty
Children4
EducationUnited States Air Force Academy (BS)
Webster University (MS)
Call sign"Boomer"
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Air Force
Years of service1976–2016
RankGeneral
CommandsChief of Staff of the United States Air Force
Battles/warsGulf War
War on terrorism
AwardsDefense Distinguished Service Medal (3)
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Defense Superior Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
Meritorious Service Medal (3)
Air Medal (2)
Full list
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Mark Anthony Welsh III (born January 26, 1954) is a retired United States Air Force four-star general and a member of the board of directors of Northrop Grumman. He was the 27th president of Texas A&M University, and is a former dean of its Bush School of Government & Public Service. Welsh was appointed by Barack Obama to serve as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and was a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Welsh was the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, the associate director for Military Affairs of the Central Intelligence Agency, and the vice commander of Air Education and Training Command. In his early career, he served as a fighter pilot (primarily flying the F-16 and A-10 aircraft) and was a commander at the squadron, group, and wing level, in addition to assignments in training, operations, intelligence, and acquisitions. He was also the commandant of cadets of the United States Air Force Academy.