Ronald Wilburn Yates

General, U.S. Air Force

Ronald Wilburn Yates was born on 3 October 1938 in Memphis, TN.

He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1960. During his career he served as a test pilot, flying a variety of modified fighter aircraft; as program manager for a variety of weapon systems; and as commander of a test wing.

Yates was promoted to the four-star rank of General on 1 April 1990 to serve as Commander of Air Force Systems Command. His final assignment was as Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (COMAFMC) from 1992-95.

General Yates retired from the Air Force on 1 July 1995. During his service, he became a Command Pilot, and Test Pilot, with over 4,400 flying hours in more than 50 types of aircraft. He flew 100 combat missions in Southeast Asia.

Education

1960 Bachelor of Science degree in Military Science, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO Springs, CO

1964 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL

1969 Aerospace Research Pilot School, Edwards AFB, CA

1970 Master of Science degree in Systems Management, University of Southern CA

1970 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL

1973 Defense Systems Management College, Fort Belvoir, VA

1977 Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC

Assignments

June 1960 - November 1962, student, aviation training, Spence AFB, GA, Webb AFB and Perrin AFB, TX.

December 1962 - June 1964, pilot, 68th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Itazuke Air Base, Japan.

June 1964 - June 1966, pilot, 509th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Clark AB, Philippines.

July 1966 - December 1970, student, test pilot, Aerospace Research Pilot School; then Chief, Aerospace Research Pilot Branch, Aerospace Research Pilot School, Edwards AFB, CA.

January 1971 - January 1973, Director, Senior Officer Management, Headquarters Air Force Systems Command, Andrews AFB, MD.

January 1973 - July 1973, student, Defense Systems Management College, Fort Belvoir, VA.

July 1973 - August 1976, Director, Development Test, A-10 System Program Office, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

August 1976 - June 1977, student, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC.

July 1977 - March 1979, Program Element Monitor, F-16 program, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research and Development, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, DC.

April 1979 - June 1980, Deputy Program Director, F-15 program, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

July 1980 - July 1981, Program Director, F-15 program, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

July 1981 - April 1983, Commander, 4950th Test Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

April 1983 - August 1983, Director, Tactical Systems, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

August 1983 - July 1986, System Program Director, F-16 System Program Office, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

July 1986 - January 1989, Director, Tactical Programs, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Washington, DC.

January 1989 - April 1990, Principal Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Washington, DC.

April 1990 - June 1992, Commander, Air Force Systems Command, Andrews AFB, MD.

July 1992 - July 1995, Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

Medals and Awards

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

Legion of Merit (2 Awards)

Distinguished Flying Cross

Meritorious Service Medal (3 Awards)

Air Medal (4 Awards)

Air Force Commendation Medal (3 Awards)

Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Badges

Command Pilot
Master Space and Missile Badge
Basic Missileman Badge

Honors

In March 1994, he was inducted into the AFMC Order of the Sword. The Order of the Sword is an honor awarded within the U.S. Air Force. It is defined as a "special program where noncommisioned officers of a command recognize individuals they hold in high esteem and wish to honor. Those selected for induction are usually honored during a formal ceremony at a dining-in."