Gen. David Allvin, the U.S. Air Force’s chief of staff, will retire in November after two years in the role. Chiefs of staff usually serve four-year terms, making the early departure unusual.
The Air Force said Allvin will continue until a successor is nominated and confirmed to ensure continuity. In a statement, Allvin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and said he was proud to work alongside airmen preparing to defend the United States.
Allvin, a career mobility pilot with experience flying the C-17, C-130 and KC-135, became chief of staff in 2023 after serving as vice chief. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he has also held senior roles shaping strategy.
During his tenure, Allvin promoted organizational reforms to prepare the Air Force for potential conflict with China. That restructuring plan was suspended in 2025 under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has since emphasized space-based surveillance over aircraft like the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, a program later cancelled in Pentagon budget plans.
The Air Force did not specify the reasons behind Allvin’s early retirement. In recent decades, only a few chiefs have left before completing their terms, including Gen. CQ Brown, who became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
