Lt. Gen. Michael Conley Leads AFSOC as New Commander

The Air Force Special Operations Command has named Lt. Gen. Michael Conley as its new commander, replacing Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, who will leave the AFSOC to accept the superintendent role at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

A change of command ceremony was held at the Freedom Hangar on Tuesday, marking the transition to the new leadership, AF .mil reported.

Conley most recently served as AFSOC’s director of operations, responsible for implementing and directing operational command policy for over 20,000 personnel comprising the Air Force component’s worldwide special operations unit.

He also served as the vice commander for AFSOC’s 27th Special Operations Wing and the commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing.

During the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said Conley is ready to take on his new role, citing the new AFSOC commander’s experience working with the Air Force, major command and joint staff.

“I am honored and humbled for this opportunity,” Conley said. “I am committed to making this command the best it can be in ensuring we are ready to go whenever you need us to.”