| Craig A. Franklin | |
| Allegiance: | United States |
| Branch: | United States Air Force |
| Serviceyears: | 1981–2014 |
| Rank: | Lieutenant General (Retired as Major General) |
| Commands: | Third Air Force 53rd Wing 31st Fighter Wing 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing |
| Battles: | Iraq War |
| Awards: | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal (2) |
Craig A. Franklin is a former United States Air Force lieutenant general who last served as the commander of Third Air Force, based at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. A 1981 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Franklin served in flying assignments, instructor pilot assignments, as well as multiple staff assignments. Franklin commanded a test and evaluation group and three wings, including the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing based at Balad Air Base, Iraq.[1] [2]
Franklin submitted his retirement to be effective 31 January 2014. His early retirement resulted in a reduction in retirement rank to the two-star rank of major general. This is as a direct result of Franklin's dismissal of a sexual assault case in February 2013 after the officer in question, a lieutenant colonel, had been found guilty at a court martial in November 2012. The officer was subsequently released from prison and restored to his rank, only to be forced into retirement at a lower rank after the discovery of further sexual misconduct. In a statement Franklin said, "he was retiring 'for the good of this command and the Air Force' because of persistent doubts about his impartiality in overseeing sex-abuse investigations."[3] He officially retired on April 1, 2014.[1]