Gen. David L. Goldfein was sworn in as the Air Force’s 21st chief of staff by Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James during a ceremony at the Pentagon on July 1.

As the Air Force’s most senior uniformed leader, Goldfein is responsible for ensuring the 660,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen under his command are fully trained and equipped. He also joins the Joint Chiefs of Staff as an adviser to the secretary of defense, National Security Council and the president of the United States.

“The Air Force is going to be relying on your determination, General Goldfein, to improve readiness, to improve our modernization, and most importantly — always at the top of the list — taking care of our Airmen,” James said. “It is a huge responsibility, it’s also an honor, and it’s also a great privilege, and I have every confidence that you are going to take our Air Force to new heights.”

One of Goldfein’s first acts as chief of staff was to make a pledge to his Airmen.

“(This is) my commitment to you — to work every day to give you everything I’ve got, to leave nothing on the table, to remain laser-focused on warfighting excellence, to find the opportunity in every challenge, to treat team building as a contact sport, and to be worthy of this honor,” he said. “And I can’t wait to get started. Fight’s on!”

In his previous position as the Air Force’s vice chief of staff, Goldfein presided over the Air Staff, and served as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Requirements Oversight Council and Deputy Advisory Working Group.