| William R. Looney III | |
| Birth Date: | 5 March 1949 |
| Birth Place: | Norman, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Serviceyears: | 1972–2008 |
| Rank: | General |
| Commands: | Air Education and Training Command 22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron 33rd Fighter Wing 1st Fighter Wing Armed Forces Staff College Space Warfare Center 14th Air Force Electronic Systems Center Aeronautical Systems Center Air Education and Training Command |
| Battles: | Operation Southern Watch Operation Uphold Democracy |
| Awards: | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2) Meritorious Service Medal (4) |
General William R. Looney III, USAF (born March 5, 1949) was the 28th Commander, Air Education and Training Command (AETC), Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.[1] [2] As commander, he was responsible for the recruiting, training and education of Air Force personnel. His command included the Air Force Recruiting Service, two numbered air forces and Air University. Air Education and Training Command consists of 13 bases, more than 66,000 active-duty members and 15,000 civilians. General Looney was succeeded by General Stephen R. Lorenz on July 2, 2008, and retired from the Air Force on August 1, 2008. Since his retirement from the Air Force, Looney has taken a position as a board member at Trident University International.
Looney graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1972, where he commanded the cadet wing in his senior year. His academic credentials include:
Looney has commanded a flight, a fighter squadron, two fighter wings, an air expeditionary force, a military college, a warfare center, a numbered air force and two acquisition centers. His assignments:
General Looney flew 62 combat hours in the F-15 Eagle in support of Operation Southern Watch and commanded Joint Task Force 86–2 in support of Operation Uphold Democracy. He is a command pilot with more than 3,900 flying hours, including 2,500 in the F-15.
| Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster | ||
| Defense Superior Service Medal | ||
| Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster | ||
| Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster | ||
| Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters | ||
| Air Medal | ||
| Aerial Achievement Medal | ||
| Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster | ||
| Air Force Achievement Medal | ||
| Joint Meritorious Unit Award | ||
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device and three oak leaf clusters | ||
| Combat Readiness Medal with oak leaf cluster | ||
| National Defense Service Medal with two bronze service stars | ||
| Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with service star | ||
| Global War on Terrorism Service Medal | ||
| Humanitarian Service Medal | ||
| Air and Space Campaign Medal | ||
| Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon | ||
| Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon | ||
| Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and three bronze oak leaf clusters | ||
| Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon | ||
| Air Force Training Ribbon |
"The vast majority of Airmen we train are going to be somewhere in harm's way within the next year or two. It is up to us to impart to them the talent and skill they need to accomplish their mission in a world-class fashion and at the same time make sure we get them back safely to the families that love them."http://www.aetc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123067441
This article includes text in the public domain from the United States Air Force.