On May 7-10, 2024, the storied Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama will resonate with the echoes of airpower history as it hosts the annual Gathering of Eagles (GOE) capstone event. The Gathering of Eagles, a venerated tradition at the Air Command and Staff College, celebrates luminaries who have carved their names into the annals of air, space, and cyberspace history. This year, the event will honor a roster of revered figures, each with indelible contributions to military aviation and beyond.
The GOE elective course has been a journey of discovery for students. Over months, they have researched and composed a book detailing the illustrious careers of these ‘Eagles.’ “She’s changed the face of weapons. She’s changed the face of survivability. She’s changed the airplanes that we fly,” says Maj. Molly Sexton about Dr. Natalie Crawford, a senior fellow and distinguished chair for Air and Space Policy at the RAND Corp. Dr. Crawford’s influence on aerospace science and military aircraft is profound, earning her multiple awards, including the Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service.
In addition to the program’s educational aspect, the students connect with the local River Region community, promoting careers in STEM to K-12 students—a mission also supported by the Gathering of Eagles Foundation through scholarships and youth-focused educational opportunities.
Included in the 2024 Eagles roster is Retired Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, a key figure in air combat and a command pilot with over 4,100 hours in various aircraft, including the F-22 and F-35. His leadership and combat experience, particularly during Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, solidified NATO’s Eastern Front, showcasing the strategic importance of airpower in modern conflict.
The GOE event also honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen with Col. James Harvey III, who defied adversity to become a Korean War hero and the first African American fighter pilot to fly in Korean airspace. His bravery and skill earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross among other decorations.
The story of Gene Kranz, an iconic NASA flight director responsible for historic missions like Apollo 11 and Apollo 13, epitomizes the crossover between military aviation and space exploration, highlighting the crucial role of decisive leadership in mission-critical situations.
These stories of valor and innovation are complemented by the tales of Capt. Guy Gruters, a Vietnam War veteran with 400 combat missions, and Lt Col Tim “Rhino” Bennett, a Desert Storm veteran and F-16 pilot in the South Carolina Air National Guard. Lt Gen David Deptula, renowned for his strategic planning in Desert Storm, rounds out the Eagles, exemplifying the breadth and depth of air and space power development.
Relevant articles:
– Legends of airpower honored at 2024 Gathering of Eagles event, Air Education and Training Command (.mil)
– Honoring airpower heritage to inspire military and community leaders of the future, Gathering of Eagles Foundation
– Gathering of Eagles Foundation, Gathering of Eagles Foundation
-Press Release – Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Honored at 2024 Gathering of Eagles, MAY 1, 2024