Michael Patrick Chamberlain Carns

General Carns earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy in 1959, commissioning as a second lieutenant. He also received a Master's in Business Administration from Harvard University in 1967 and completed Squadron Officer School in 1963. In 1977, he graduated from the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.

General Carns' extensive military career began with pilot training, serving as a flight instructor at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, after completing primary and basic pilot training in 1960. From 1961 to 1963, he served as an aide to commanders at the Air Reserve Records Center in Denver and the 4th Air Force Reserve Region at Randolph Air Force Base, where he then served as an air operations officer for two years.

After earning his MBA in 1967, General Carns flew F-4s with the 476th Tactical Fighter Squadron at George Air Force Base, California, and the 40th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. From August 1968 to September 1969, he flew 200 combat missions in the F-4E during the Vietnam War with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, earning the Silver Star for valor.

Upon returning to the U.S. in September 1969, he joined the Air Staff as a plans and programs officer, later serving as aide to the Air Force Chief of Staff. From September 1973 to May 1975, General Carns commanded the 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Torrejon Air Base, Spain. He then served for nearly two years as special assistant to the chief of staff, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, in Mons, Belgium. After his studies at the Royal College of Defence Studies, he became deputy commander for operations for the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Station Bentwaters, England.

Returning to the U.S. in March 1979, General Carns commanded the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina. In October 1980, he moved to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to command the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing. In June 1982, he became director of operations, J-3, for the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force, later U.S. Central Command, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

His strategic leadership continued at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, where he became deputy chief of staff for plans in July 1984, and then deputy chief of staff for operations and intelligence in June 1985. In July 1986, he assumed command of the 13th Air Force at Clark Air Base, Philippines. In June 1987, he was assigned as deputy commander in chief and chief of staff, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. In September 1989, he became director of the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., serving under General Colin Powell, playing a crucial role in guiding the U.S. military through challenges like Operation Desert Storm.

On May 16, 1991, General Carns was promoted to General and assumed the role of 27th Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in September 1994, having accumulated over 6,400 flying hours.

After retirement, General Carns continued to contribute his expertise, serving as managing director of a small healthcare firm and executive director of a policy research firm specializing in Pacific Rim security. He was also vice chairman of PrivaSource, Inc.

General Carns was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, sharing over 50 years of marriage with Victoria Greco. Their two children, Michelle and Marc, both followed his path of service in the Air Force. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Micah, Michael, and Lauren.

General Michael P.C. Carns' profound contributions to the United States and the world will forever be remembered with gratitude and admiration, ensuring his enduring place in military history.