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Major General (Ret.) Steve Edwards served more than 33 years in the United States Air Force and Army, culminating his distinguished career as Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR). A proven strategic leader, he is recognized for his expertise in multinational operations, defense innovation, acquisition, and joint force development, as well as building trusted coalitions and leading organizations through transformation and crisis.
As Commander of SOCEUR, General Edwards led 2,600 joint and allied personnel conducting special operations across more than 50 nations. He directed U.S. special operations activities in support of NATO and U.S. strategic objectives, playing a central role in shaping the allied response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Under his leadership, SOCEUR strengthened regional deterrence, enhanced intelligence and operational integration, and advanced partner special operations capabilities across Europe. Prior to this assignment, General Edwards served as Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), where he managed a 1,800-member headquarters responsible for operations across 104 countries. He guided the headquarters staff transition to a warfighting posture in response to renewed Russian aggression and supported humanitarian operations that evacuated and cared for over 28,000 Afghan travelers. Additionally, he served as the Director of Strategic Plans, Programs, and Requirements for Air Force Special Operations Command, managing a $1.5 billion modernization portfolio that advanced future force design initiatives. A decorated command pilot with over 3,800 flight hours in rotary-wing and remotely piloted aircraft, General Edwards has extensive combat experience in the Middle East supporting the Global War on Terrorism. He holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Army War College, the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Air Command and Staff College, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. |