By Doug Stauffer
In a significant ceremony at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind passed the special operations wings flag to the incoming commander, Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, marking a pivotal moment for the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The event, attended by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, underscores the importance of this transition for the more than 24,000 people living and working at the base in Okaloosa County.
Lt. Gen. Michael E. Conley now leads AFSOC, the Air Force component of U.S. Special Operations Command. This command comprises approximately 20,800 active-duty, Reserve, Air National Guard and civilian professionals, providing specialized operations forces for global deployment and assignment to unified combatant commanders. Lt. Gen. Conley brings extensive experience and a decorated career to his new role.
Having received his commission through the United States Air Force Academy in 1996, Lt. Gen. Conley completed pilot training in 1998. His operational experience spans flying the UH-1N, MH-53, and CV-22, with most of his assignments in special operations aviation. Conley’s career includes multiple staff assignments, such as serving on the Joint Staff as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and at Headquarters Air Force. He has commanded a squadron, wing, and multiple deployed special operations air components. Most recently, Conley served as the Director of Operations at AFSOC headquarters.
At the ceremony held on July 2 inside Freedom Hangar, Gen. Allvin emphasized the evolving nature of global threats and the critical role of AFSOC in national security. “There are aspiring great powers developing capabilities and demonstrating the will to use them in ways that threaten our national security. The character of war is changing,” Allvin remarked, highlighting the importance of readiness and adaptability in current and future conflicts.
Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind, reflecting on his tenure, commended his command for navigating the changing landscape of the Air Force. “You’ve brought forward capabilities like the Theater Air Operations Squadrons, focusing on our regional adversaries with exceptional intel teams, mission planners, and air advisors. Building relationships with our allies and partners is crucial for our collective security,” Bauernfeind said.
Taking command, Lt. Gen. Conley outlined his vision for AFSOC’s future, emphasizing innovation and resilience. “It will take all of us rowing together to ensure we’re ready. ‘Any place, anytime, anywhere’ isn’t just our motto. It’s our way of life,” Conley stated. He expressed his readiness to lead and work alongside the elite combat force at Hurlburt Field, assuring that all current policies and directives remain in effect.
Lt. Gen. Conley has a distinguished record, with over 2,400 flight hours across several special operations aircraft. His leadership roles at Hurlburt Field include serving as the 1st Special Operations Wing commander from June 2018 to 2020. Addressing the air commandos in formation, Conley reinforced the command’s mission. “We exist to do what others are unable to do or unwilling to attempt. We must remain ready to fight tonight, just like our teammates currently in the fight downrange,” he said.
The ceremony, attended by base officials, airmen, and elected leaders, including U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, marked the beginning of a new chapter for AFSOC under Lt. Gen. Conley’s leadership. His experience, dedication, and vision set a promising course for the future of the command and its critical role in national defense.
