Charles Q. Brown Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Q. Brown Jr.
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Official portrait, 2023
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| Nickname(s) | CQ |
| Born | 2 March 1962 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
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United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1984–2025 |
| Rank | General |
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| Signature |  |
Charles Quinton Brown Jr. (born March 2, 1962) is a retired United States Air Force general. He served as the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2023 to 2025. Before that, General Brown was the 22nd Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 2020 to 2023.
General Brown joined the Air Force in 1984. He became a fighter pilot and flew over 3,000 hours, including 130 hours in combat missions. He led several important units, like the Pacific Air Forces and the U.S. Air Forces Central Command.
In 2020, General Brown made history. He became the first African American to lead a branch of the United States Armed Forces. He was later chosen to be the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In February 2025, he retired from the Air Force after more than 41 years of service.
General Brown was also named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Quinton Brown Jr. was born in 1962 in San Antonio, Texas. His family had a strong military background. His father, Charles Sr., served in the Army for 30 years and became a colonel. His grandfather also served in World War II.
Brown, nicknamed "CQ," graduated from Homer L. Ferguson High School in Newport News, Virginia, in 1980. He then attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He earned a degree in civil engineering and was a top graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
While serving in the Air Force, Brown continued his education. In 1994, he earned a master's degree in aeronautical science from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Military Career Highlights
General Brown started his Air Force career as a second lieutenant in 1984. He completed pilot training and became an F-16 pilot in South Korea. He quickly became an instructor pilot.
He attended the USAF Weapons School in Nevada, where he learned advanced combat flying skills. He also served as an aide-de-camp to the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. This role meant he worked closely with the Air Force's top leader.
Brown commanded several important units. He led the 78th Fighter Squadron and later the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. From 2007 to 2008, he commanded the 8th Fighter Wing in South Korea.
His career as a general officer began in 2009. He became the commander of the 31st Fighter Wing in Italy. He then served as a deputy director for operations at U.S. Central Command. In 2015, he became the commander of United States Air Forces Central Command (USAFCENT). This role put him in charge of all Air Force operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.
In 2018, General Brown was promoted to a four-star general. He became the commander of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). In this role, he oversaw all major U.S. Air Force operations across the Indo-Pacific region.
Chief of Staff of the Air Force
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On March 2, 2020, President Donald Trump nominated General Brown to be the next Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on June 9, 2020, with a unanimous vote. This made him the first African American to lead any branch of the United States Armed Forces.
As Chief of Staff, General Brown advised the President and the Secretary of Defense on Air Force matters. He was responsible for organizing, training, and equipping all Air Force personnel. He worked closely with the United States Space Force after it was created. He believed the Space Force would bring much of the Air Force's "near-term innovation."
General Brown also helped bring new tanker aircraft into the Air Force fleet. He was recognized during Black History Month in 2021 for his historic achievement. He was also made an honorary Tuskegee Airman.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
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On May 25, 2023, President Joe Biden nominated General Brown to become the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Senate confirmed him on September 20, 2023. He officially took office on October 1, 2023.
As Chairman, General Brown was the highest-ranking military officer in the United States. He advised the President and the Secretary of Defense on military matters. After the Gaza war began, he stated that the U.S. military could support both Israel and Ukraine. He also warned Iran not to get involved in the conflict. In August 2024, he visited Israel to discuss threats from Iran with Israeli defense leaders.
On February 21, 2025, President Trump removed General Brown from his position as Chairman. General Brown retired from the Air Force in April 2025.
Flight Information
General Brown is a highly skilled pilot. He has flown over 3,100 hours, including 130 hours in combat. He is qualified to fly many different types of aircraft, including the F-16 fighter jet.
Awards and Recognition
General Brown has received many awards and decorations throughout his distinguished career. These include:
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Aerial Achievement Medal
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
He also wears the US Air Force Command Pilot Badge. In 2022, he received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
See also
In Spanish: Charles Q. Brown Jr. para niños
