Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown assumed command of the Air Force as its 22nd chief of staff Thursday in a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Brown succeeded Gen. Dave Goldfein, the chief of staff since 2016, who retired at the ceremony.
Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett oversaw the symbolic passing of the flag, marking the change of leadership from Goldfein to Brown, with Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright holding the flag. Barrett then swore in Brown, with his wife, Sharene, holding the traditional Bible used to swear in chiefs of staff since Gen. Carl Spaatz.
Today was historic as the @USAirForce thanked @GenDaveGoldfein for 37 years of service & welcomed @GenCQBrownJr as #CSAF22. Gen Brown brings a wealth of joint leadership experiences & global perspectives to the role. I look forward to working side-by-side.https://t.co/uKWg9ilFRD
— Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett (@SecAFOfficial) August 6, 2020