TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. —
U.S. Air Force Col. Derek M. Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, promoted to Brigadier General, effective Dec. 5, 2023.
Team Travis celebrated his promotion during an official ceremony held on Jan. 4, 2024.
During the ceremony, Salmi took the opportunity to thank his family, friends and Air Force community for the support and encouragement that lifted him up countless times throughout his career, and the impact it’s had on his life.
“What I’ve come to find out about life is that it’s really enriched by two things: the experiences we have and the relationships we share,” he said. “I love the Air Force for it provides both in deeply satisfying ways. I’ve had some incredible experiences in the Air Force to which I’m so grateful.”
The 60th AMW commander continued to reflect on his appreciation for military life, and how some of those most special experiences may come at the most unexpected times or unforeseen circumstances, forming the bond the military community shares with each other.
Salmi commissioned from the U. S. Air Force Academy in 1998 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours and has deployed in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. Additionally, he served in a variety of command and operational assignments, is a graduate of the Air Force’s School of Advanced Air and Space Studies and was a National Defense Fellow at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
As commander, he is responsible for the largest air mobility organization in the Air Force, in terms of personnel. The unit provides rapid, reliable airlift capabilities in support of national objectives and to extend the reach of American and allied air power through mid-air refueling.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb, Department of the Air Force Deputy Inspector General, presided over the ceremony, recounting Salmi’s qualifications and years of exemplary service.
“I can’t think of anybody that lives out our core values more than Derek: integrity, service, excellence,” said Bibb. “I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this family. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this ceremony.”
There are 198 Air Force general officers authorized to serve on active duty, not including those serving in joint service roles. Salmi has commanded the 60 AMW since July 2022, and expressed his gratitude and sincere thanks for this moment and the audience’s attendance.
“There is one thing I’ve come to appreciate across my career, across our Air Force and certainly here at Travis – it’s that we stand in the presence of heroes,” Salmi said. “Some are in this room, some are deployed to distant lands and some are out moving the mission, but it remains the honor of my lifetime to continue to serve with and for these heroes in the service of the nation.”
