KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Maj. Gen. John T. Rauch Jr. became the Air Force chief of safety, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, and commander of the Air Force Safety Center, during change of command ceremonies held here Aug. 2.
Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff, Lt. Gen. Stayce D. Harris, presided as Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Mueller relinquished command after serving as the top safety officer since July 2015.
“As the leader of our complex safety enterprise, General Mueller tirelessly pushed recognition and action,” Harris said. “He was unrelenting in championing his Airmen and our programs across the board; ensuring an integrated, productive and proactive approach to Air Force safety.”
Mueller, who retires in November, said it had been a privilege to champion the work of the safety center, “a center for Airmen, recognized for your professionalism and subject matter expertise, focused on advancing the safety culture of the U.S. Air Force.”
Harris said Rauch has “the tactical, operational and strategic depth to lead our safety professionals to new heights.”
Rauch praised the safety center’s accomplishments under Mueller’s leadership, and challenged the center’s team to continue to be the center of safety excellence. “I’m confident that by focusing on the mission, our people and their families, we will prevail,” he said.
As the chief of safety, Rauch develops, executes and evaluates all Air Force aviation, occupational, weapons, space and system mishap prevention and nuclear surety programs to preserve combat readiness. He also directs research to promote safety awareness and mishap prevention, oversees mishap investigations, as well as manages and directs all Air Force safety and risk management courses.
Rauch previously served as director of Future Warfare, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. He has served in numerous flying tours and staff assignments including Air Force Intelligence, Legislative Liaison, U.S. Special Operations Command and Air Education and Training Command. He is a master navigator with more than 3,200 flying hours.