Joel Carey
U.S. Air Force general
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joel L. Carey is a United States Air Force lieutenant general who serves as the Commander of the Fifth Air Force since 2026. He previously served as the chief of staff of the United States Indo-Pacific Command from 2024 to 2026, and as director of operations, strategic deterrence, and nuclear integration of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa from 2022 to 2024.
Joel Carey | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2026 | |
| Allegiance | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Service years | 1992–present |
Rank | Lieutenant general |
| Commands | Fifth Air Force 18th Wing 12th Flying Training Wing 44th Fighter Squadron |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit |
Military career
Carey served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations of the Allied Air Command and before that he was the commander of the 18th Wing and, prior to that, the vice commander of the Fifth Air Force.[1][2][3][4][5]
In May 2022, Carey was nominated for promotion to major general, [6] and in December 2025, Carey was promoted to lieutenant general.
