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U.S. Air Force General Tod D. Wolters assumed duties as Commander, U.S. European Command, on May 2, 2019. He is responsible for one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands whose area of focus spans across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is comprised of more than 60,000 military and civilian personnel, and is responsible for U.S. defense operations and relations with NATO and 51 countries.

General Wolters previously served as Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa; Commander, Allied Air Command, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, and Director, Joint Air Power Competence Centre, Kalkar, Germany.

General Wolters received his commission in 1982 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has been assigned to numerous operational command and staff positions, and has completed nine overseas tours, including two tours in Afghanistan. He commanded the 19th Fighter Squadron, the 1st Operations Group, the 485th Air Expeditionary Wing, the 47th Flying Training Wing, the 325th Fighter Wing, the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan, and the 12th Air Force.

General Wolters fought in operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He served in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, as Legislative Liaison Director and in headquarters staff positions at U.S. Pacific Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Force and Air Force Space Command. Prior to commanding U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa, General Wolters served on the Joint Staff as Director for Operations. He is a combat-experienced command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours in the F-15C, F-22, OV-10, T-38, and A-10 aircraft.

General Wolters earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1982, a master’s degree in aeronautical science technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1996, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the Army War College in 2001. Additionally, he served as a senior executive fellow at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2004 and a fellow with National Defense University’s Pinnacle Course in 2014.

General Wolters’ decorations and awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.