Lloyd W. Newton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lloyd W. Newton
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General Lloyd W. "Fig" Newton
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| Birth name | Lloyd Warren Newton |
| 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 Warren "Fig" Newton (born December 24, 1942) is a retired four-star general from the United States Air Force (USAF). 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. After high school, he studied aviation education at Tennessee State University. He joined the Air Force through a special program called the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in 1966.
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Becoming a Pilot
After finishing his pilot training in Arizona in 1967, Lloyd Newton learned to fly the F-4D Phantom jet. He flew 269 combat missions during the Vietnam War from a base in South Vietnam. Seventy-nine of these missions were over North Vietnam.
Joining the Thunderbirds
In November 1974, Newton was chosen to join the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, which is the Air Force's official air demonstration squadron. He had several important roles with the Thunderbirds, including being a narrator and flying in key positions during their air shows.
Important Roles in the Air Force
From 1978 to 1982, he worked in Washington, D.C., helping the Air Force communicate with the U.S. House of Representatives. He later commanded three different Air Force wings and an air division. He also held many other important jobs. From 1993 to 1995, he was the director of operations for the United States Special Operations Command. General Newton is a highly skilled pilot, having flown more than 4,000 hours in many different aircraft, including the F-4, F-15, F-16, and even the F-117 stealth fighter.
Life After the Military
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.
Public Life
General Newton has also been involved in public life. In 2008, he supported Barack Obama for president and appeared with other military leaders at a big event. In 2024, he also supported Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign.
Education and Training
- 1966 Bachelor of Science degree in aviation education, Tennessee State University, Nashville
- 1978 Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia
- 1985 Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington, D.C.
- 1985 Master of Arts degree in public administration, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
- 1987 National Security Senior Executives Course, Harvard University, Massachusetts
Military Career Path
General Newton's career included many different assignments and promotions:
- He became a second lieutenant in 1966.
- He completed pilot training and F-4D qualification training.
- He flew combat missions in Vietnam.
- He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1967 and captain in 1969.
- He served as an F-4D pilot and flight instructor.
- He joined the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds in 1974.
- He was promoted to major in 1978 and lieutenant colonel in 1980.
- He worked as a congressional liaison officer.
- He commanded various tactical fighter wings and air divisions.
- He was promoted to colonel in 1983, brigadier general in 1991, major general in 1993, and lieutenant general in 1995.
- He became a general in 1997, leading the Air Education and Training Command until 2000.
Flight Details
- Pilot Rating: Command pilot (meaning he is highly experienced)
- Total Flight Hours: More than 4,000 hours
- Aircraft Flown: T-37, T-38, F-4, F-15, F-16, F-117, and C-12
- Pilot Wings Earned At: Williams Air Force Base, Arizona
Major Awards and Honors
General Newton received many awards for his service:
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal (with 16 oak leaf clusters, meaning he received it many times)
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Vietnam Service Medal
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
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Other Achievements
- 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: Received the Order of the Palmetto, a high honor from the state of South Carolina.
