Lieutenant Colonel Jeremiah “SMEEgle” Castillo retires from the United States Air Force after more than 24 years of distinguished service defined by operational excellence, strategic leadership, and an enduring commitment to mission and Airmen.

Lieutenant Colonel Castillo most recently served as Deputy Director of Strategy at the 618th Air Operations Center, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. In this role, he led operational design, planning, and analysis for the Air Force’s largest air operations center, synchronizing global mobility operations across combatant commands and advising senior leaders on the execution of worldwide airlift, aerial refueling, and aeromedical evacuation missions. His leadership directly contributed to the integration of strategic mobility effects across the Joint Force.

Previously, he served as Chief of the Mobility Operations Support Branch at Headquarters Air Mobility Command, where he led policy, guidance, and strategic integration for the Contingency Response Force and Air Mobility Operations enterprise across the Active Duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and international partners. He was instrumental in advancing agile combat employment, developing multi-capable Airmen, and strengthening the Air Force’s ability to operate in contested environments.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Colonel Castillo served in a wide range of operational, joint, and strategic assignments, including coalition and interagency roles. He deployed multiple times in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and RESOLUTE SUPPORT, executing combat operations and advising senior leaders in complex operational environments. His joint assignments included service on the Joint Staff, where he contributed to strategy and policy efforts related to Afghanistan and Pakistan, and worked alongside international partners to strengthen security institutions.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Lieutenant Colonel Castillo is a senior navigator with over 2,300 flying hours, including more than 1,000 combat hours in the C-130. His assignments spanned operational airlift squadrons, an operational support squadron, a contingency response squadron, and wing staff, with half his career dedicated to staff officer roles at echelons from the Pentagon to Scott Air Force Base.

Lieutenant Colonel Castillo’s career reflects a consistent focus on readiness, innovation, and leadership across tactical, operational, and strategic levels of war. He holds multiple advanced degrees in international relations, strategic studies, and theology, underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership development. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and numerous other awards recognizing his service and impact.

Lieutenant Colonel Castillo’s legacy is defined by his dedication to mission, his investment in Airmen, and his enduring contributions to the United States Air Force and the Nation.

General (Retired) Michael A. Minihan concluded a distinguished career in the United States Air Force marked by exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to global mobility and the Joint Force.

General Minihan most recently served as Commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where he led a force of more than 100,000 Total Force Airmen responsible for global airlift, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and rapid mobility operations. Under his leadership, Air Mobility Command ensured the rapid projection of U.S. power and sustainment across all combatant commands, delivering decisive global reach in support of national objectives.

Prior to this assignment, General Minihan served in numerous senior leadership roles across the Air Force, including Deputy Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s air component, leadership positions within Air Mobility Command, and key operational command assignments. His experience spanned squadron, group, and wing-level command, where he consistently drove readiness, modernization, and operational effectiveness in complex and contested environments.

A command pilot with extensive experience in mobility aircraft, General Minihan accumulated thousands of flight hours and led forces supporting operations across the globe. His operational background, combined with his strategic leadership, enabled him to shape the future of mobility forces and ensure the Air Force remained ready to meet emerging challenges.

Throughout his career, General Minihan was recognized for his ability to lead large, diverse organizations, develop Airmen, and deliver results at scale. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and numerous other awards reflecting his impact and service to the Nation.

General Minihan’s legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to Airmen, his commitment to mission accomplishment, and his lasting contributions to the United States Air Force and the Joint Force.