Top two Air Force leaders resign

Published June 6, 2008

6/5/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force's top civilian and uniformed leader tendered their resignations to Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates June 5.

"Recent events convince me that it is now time for a new leader to take the stick and for me to move on," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne in a statement. "Therefore I have given my request to resign to Secretary Gates. Even as I do, my heart, my thoughts and prayers remain with America's Airmen who will continue to do magnificent things for this great country."

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, who was appointed the 18th Air Force chief of staff in September 2005, has also tendered his resignation.

"Recent events have highlighted a loss of focus on certain critical matters within the Air Force," General Moseley's statement reads. "As the Air Force's senior uniformed leader, I take full responsibility for events which have hurt the Air Force's reputation or raised a question of every Airman's commitment to our core values.

"I think the honorable thing to do is to step aside," the statement continues. "After consulting with my family, I have submitted my request to resign to Secretary Gates. The Air Force is bigger than one Airman, and I have full confidence that the Air Force will continue working with the joint team to win today's fight, take care of its Airmen and meet tomorrow's challenges. I love the Air Force and remain proud of America's Airmen."

Visit the Pentagon Channel to view the press conference. Click on the "Pentagon Announcement" video.