The Pentagon said Monday that Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin will leave his position this September, ending his four-year tenure after only two years. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, his retirement represents yet another high-level departure.
Allvin will retire in early November, the Air Force stated in a statement. Until the Senate nominates and confirms a successor, he will continue in his position.
Allvin was informed last week that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth desired a change in leadership, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The insider claimed that although Allvin was allowed to make the announcement in public, it was undoubtedly not his decision.
Requests for response from an Air Force spokesperson and Hegseth’s office officials were not answered.
Allvin’s departure comes after a string of high-level military reorganizations since Trump’s return to the White House, which included the dismissal of the Air Force vice chief of staff, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the commander of naval operations, and the commandant of the Coast Guard. The firing of other senior officials has also rocked the defense establishment, which typically values stability.
Gen. Thomas Bussiere, who was selected in July to be the vice chief of staff, is a prominent contender to succeed Allvin. At Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, Bussiere is currently in charge of the country’s nuclear arsenal as the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. According to accounts, he is highly regarded by Pentagon leaders.
Part of Operation Midnight Hammer, the June raid on Iranian nuclear facilities that the Trump administration has hailed as a huge success, was led by Bussiere in his capacity.
The government had long been unhappy with Allvin, according to another insider, especially with the way he handled the planning for a potential security conflict with China.
Allvin conveyed his appreciation for the chance to serve in the statement released on Monday. Above all, he stated, I’m honored to have been a member of the group of Airmen who, every day as we get ready to defend our wonderful country, embody our fundamental principles of excellence, honesty, and service.
Allvin’s leadership was commended by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, who said he played a key role in steering the force through revolutionary projects. Meink continued, “General Allvin has been a model of service to our country and an invaluable partner.”
