Lloyd W. Newton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lloyd Warren Newton
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General Lloyd W. "Fig" Newton
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| Nickname(s) | Fig |
| Born | December 24, 1942 Ridgeland, South Carolina |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1966–2000 |
| Rank |  General |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
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Lloyd W. "Fig" Newton (born December 24, 1942) is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) four-star general. This means he reached one of the highest ranks in the Air Force. He was the head of the Air Education and Training Command from 1997 to 2000. General Newton also made history as the first African-American pilot to join the famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds air show team.
He was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina, and finished high school there. He earned a degree in aviation education from Tennessee State University in Nashville in 1966. He joined the Air Force through a special program called the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
After finishing pilot training in 1967, he learned to fly the F-4D Phantom jet. He flew 269 combat missions during the Vietnam War from Da Nang Air Base in South Vietnam. Seventy-nine of these missions were over North Vietnam.
In 1974, General Newton was chosen to join the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds. This is a special team that performs amazing air shows. He flew in different positions, including narrator and wingman. Later, he worked with the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., helping to connect the Air Force with Congress.
General Newton commanded three different air wings and an air division. He also held many important leadership roles. From 1993 to 1995, he was the director of operations for the United States Special Operations Command. He is an expert pilot with over 4,000 hours flying many different aircraft, including the F-4, F-15, F-16, and the F-117 stealth fighter.
After retiring from the Air Force in 2000, General Newton worked for Pratt & Whitney. He was the Vice President of Business Development for military engines until 2006. In 2008, he supported Barack Obama for president and appeared at the Democratic National Convention.
Contents
Becoming a Leader: Education and Training
General Newton completed several important training programs and earned advanced degrees during his time in the Air Force. These helped him become a top leader.
- 1966: Bachelor of Science degree in aviation education from Tennessee State University.
- 1978: Attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia.
- 1985: Attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C.
- 1985: Earned a Master of Arts degree in public administration from George Washington University.
- 1987: Completed the National Security Senior Executives Course at Harvard University.
His Journey: Assignments and Promotions
General Newton's career in the Air Force was long and successful. He moved up through the ranks and held many different jobs around the world.
- March 1966: Became a second lieutenant.
- June 1966 – June 1967: Pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona.
- June 1967 – April 1968: F-4D jet training at George Air Force Base, California.
- December 1967: Promoted to first lieutenant.
- April 1968 – April 1969: F-4D pilot in Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War.
- April–November 1969: More F-4D training at George Air Force Base.
- June 1969: Promoted to captain.
- November 1969 – November 1973: F-4D pilot at Clark Air Base, Philippines.
- November 1973 – November 1974: F-4D flight instructor at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
- November 1974 – February 1978: Narrator and slot pilot for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
- February–June 1978: Student at the Armed Forces Staff College.
- January 1978: Promoted to major.
- June–December 1978: Right wingman and narrator for the Thunderbirds.
- December 1978 – February 1982: Worked as a congressional liaison officer in Washington, D.C.
- October 1980: Promoted to lieutenant colonel.
- February–June 1982: F-16 jet training at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
- June 1982 – June 1983: Assistant deputy commander for operations at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.
- June 1983 – August 1984: Assistant deputy commander for operations at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
- December 1983: Promoted to colonel.
- August 1984 – August 1985: Student at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
- August 1985 – November 1986: Assistant deputy director for operations and training at Headquarters U.S. Air Force.
- November 1986 – July 1988: Assistant director of special projects at Headquarters U.S. Air Force.
- July 1988 – May 1989: Commander of the 71st Air Base Group at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
- May 1989 – May 1990: Commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing.
- May 1990 – August 1991: Commander of the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
- August 1991: Promoted to brigadier general.
- August–November 1991: Commander of the 833rd Air Division at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.
- November 1991 – July 1993: Commander of the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman Air Force Base.
- July 1993 – May 1995: Director of operations for the United States Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base.
- August 1993: Promoted to major general.
- May 1995: Promoted to lieutenant general.
- June 1995 – March 1997: Assistant vice chief of staff at Headquarters U.S. Air Force.
- March 1997 – 2000: Commander of the Air Education and Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
- April 1997: Promoted to general.
Flying High: Flight Information
General Newton is a highly skilled pilot, known as a Command pilot.
- He has flown for more than 4,000 hours.
- He piloted many different aircraft, including the T-37, T-38, F-4, F-15, F-16, F-117 stealth fighter, and C-12.
- He earned his pilot wings at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona.
Honors and Awards
General Newton received many important medals and awards for his service and bravery.
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (with an extra award)
Legion of Merit (with an extra award)
Distinguished Flying Cross (with an extra award)
Meritorious Service Medal (with an extra award)
Air Medal (with 16 extra awards)
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with special device and two extra awards)
Vietnam Service Medal
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
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Other Achievements
Beyond his military career, General Newton has been recognized for his contributions in other ways.
- 1997: Received an honorary doctorate degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
- 1999: Received an honorary doctor of science degree from Benedict College.
- 2018: Inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame.
- 2023: Awarded the Order of the Palmetto, a high honor from the state of South Carolina.
