James M. Holmes

James Michael "Mike" Holmes is a United States Air Force Lieutenant General. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C.

Career

Holmes entered the Air Force through Officer Training School in 1981 after receiving a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee. He has commanded the 27th Fighter Squadron, the 14th Operations Group, the 4th Fighter Wing and the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. He has served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and on headquarters staffs of the United States Air Force, U.S. European Command and Pacific Air Forces. Prior to his current position, he was the Vice Commander, Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas responsible for the recruiting, training and education of Air Force people, including the Air Force Recruiting Service, a numbered air force and Air University. He is a command pilot with more than 4,000 hours, including more than 500 combat hours in the F-15A/B/C/D/E, and has also flown the T-38, T-37 and T-1A. His previous assignments include Commander, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Special Assistant to the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director of the Air Staff, Principal Director for Middle East Policy in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Director of Strategic Planning with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations for Plans and Requirements, and Vice Commander of the Air Education and Training Command.

Holmes was nominated for promotion to commanding general of the Air Combat Command on 6 September 2016. This nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on 7 December 2016.

Awards and decorations