"Air Chief" ennobled

Austria’s top military officer honored in the USA

Major General Gerfried Promberger (3rd from right) at the international honoring ceremony of the US Air Force in Alabama.(Bild: zVg, Krone KREATIV)

Great honor for the "Air Chief" of the Austrian Armed Forces: Major General Gerfried Promberger, Chief of the Air Force, was the first Austrian to be inducted into the international "Hall of Fame" of the US Air Force this Friday in the USA.

Austria's highest ranking Air Force officer, Major General Gerfried Promberger, has been honored by the US Air Force for his "services to military training". Since Friday, his name has been emblazoned on the "Hall of Fame" wall at Maxwell Air Force Base, where top international military officers in the field of combat aviation are honored. 

Styrian-born Gerfried Promberger himself was present at the award ceremony at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. He had previously attended training and general staff courses in Alabama and had made valuable contacts in the process.

Plaque at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama(Bild: zVg)

Since Austria joined the State Partnership Program, in which the Austrian Armed Forces cooperate with the Vermont National Guard, ties with the US armed forces have become even closer. 

Letter of honor to the Air Chief(Bild: US Air Force)

Promberger is considered one of Austria's most experienced pilots, with almost 3000 hours on the now decommissioned Saab 105OE and the PC-7. He is not only in charge of all aircraft in the Austrian Armed Forces, but also the air defense.