Kirk S. Pierce
Kirk Stewart Pierce[1] is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force.[2] He was a former commander of the First Air Force.
Kirk S. Pierce | |
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1988–2023 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | First Air Force 173rd Fighter Wing 113th Operations Group 121st Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Purple Heart |
Air Force career
Raised in Victor, New York,[1] Pierce was commissioned in 1988 after he graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in aerospace engineering. He attended pilot training at Williams AFB, and initially flew as a first assignment instructor pilot for the T-38 Talon. He transitioned to flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1995. He was assigned to 79th Fighter Squadron at Shaw AFB and the 80th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan AB. In 2001, he transitioned to the United States Air National Guard, and was assigned to the 138th Fighter Squadron at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. He commanded the 121st Fighter Squadron and the 113th Operations Group at Andrews AFB, and the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field. In July 2020, he assumed command of the First Air Force at Tyndall AFB.[3]
Awards and decorations
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US Air Force Command Pilot Badge |
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Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge |
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Headquarters Air Force Badge |
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Effective dates of promotions
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| Insignia | Rank | Date |
|---|---|---|
 | Lieutenant general | July 29, 2020 |
 | Major general | Jan 15, 2019 |
 | Brigadier general | April 3, 2016 |
 | Colonel | June 16, 2010 |
 | Lieutenant colonel | Jan 20, 2005 |
 | Major | Nov 19, 1999 |
 | Captain | Oct 29, 1992 |
 | First lieutenant | Oct 29, 1990 |
 | Second lieutenant | May 14, 1988 |
References
- 1988 Commencement (PDF). The University of Notre Dame du Lac. May 13–15, 1988. p. 43. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
- "Lieutenant General Kirk S. Pierce (USAF)". United States Air Force. May 19, 2021. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. - McCullough, Amy (June 5, 2020). "Pierce Tapped to Lead 1st Air Force". Air Force Magazine. Retrieved October 28, 2020.