Senate confirms Maj. Gen. John J. DeGoes as next Air Force Surgeon General

Courtesy Story

Air Force Medical Service

The U.S. Senate confirmed Maj. Gen. John J. DeGoes as the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General July 31, 2024. In this position, he will also serve as the principal advisor on all health and medical matters for the Space Force.

The Senate Armed Services Committee confirmed DeGoes by voice vote.

“I am honored the U.S. Senate has confirmed my appointment as the Surgeon General of the Air Force,” said DeGoes. “This is a humbling and significant milestone, and I am committed to advancing the health and readiness of our Airmen and Guardians. As we navigate a challenging strategic security environment, I will focus on enhancing our medical capabilities to ensure we are always prepared.”

DeGoes formerly served as Deputy Surgeon General, Office of the Surgeon General, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Falls Church, Virginia, since May 2021. As deputy surgeon general, he supported an integrated healthcare delivery and readiness system with 44,000 personnel, which served 2.6 million beneficiaries and 76 military treatment facilities globally. DeGoes provided oversight for the daily functions of the Air Force Surgeon General’s office across four locations. These functions included clinical operations and quality; aeromedical evacuation; management of global forces, programs and budget, medical forces and medical information systems. He coordinated Air Force Medical Service operations through major commands, field commands, joint service agencies, the Defense Health Agency, and the Department of Veteran Affairs.

DeGoes is a chief physician and flight surgeon board certified in internal medicine. He is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a certified Physician Executive.

DeGoes graduated from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in 1989, after receiving direct commission to attend the medical school. His prior leadership include serving as commander of the 59th Medical Wing and command surgeon for the U.S. Air Force Central Command and the bi-national command, U.S Northern Command-North American Aerospace Defense Command.

DeGoes will be sworn in as the Department of Air Force’s 25th surgeon general and promoted to the rank of lieutenant general on a forthcoming date.