Masiello steps down as AFRL commander, to end 35-year Air Force career

  • Published
  • By Derek Hardin
  • Air Force Research Laboratory
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  As Maj. Gen. Thomas Masiello exited the Air Force Research Laboratory headquarters building for the final time last Thursday morning, he was sent off with a standing ovation from staff and senior leadership. The hallways and stairwells which lead from what was once Masiello's office to the building doors were lined with admirers who wished to acknowledge the man who has been their commander since July 2013. It was a testament to the general's leadership and vision, but most all it spoke volumes of his popularity and genuine likability.

Masiello handed over command of AFRL to Maj. Gen. Robert D. McMurry Jr. May 13, and he will officially retire in July, ending his 35-year career with the Air Force.

Born in Detroit, but growing up in Youngstown, New York, Masiello was the eldest of five children, living in a nurturing and familiar American suburban setting. On his first day of second grade, his mother walked him to school, but asked that he find his way home after the day had ended. Little Tom initially made a wrong turn and got lost, but he eventually made his way home. He attributes this event as the beginnings of his admiration for navigators, those who dare to explore and find their way in unfamiliar and new places. One has to wonder if this young boy from New York ever fathomed that one day he would soar through the skies in an F-111, his craft of choice, or skim the clouds in more than 20 aircraft, including the F-15, F-16, and HH-60.

Following high school, and as luck would have it, Masiello was accepted to the Air Force Academy. He graduated with distinction with a degree in electrical engineering. When his Air Force career began, Masiello said he had no expectations of what lie ahead.

"I was just a kid from New York who won the opportunity of a lifetime to go to the USAFA," reflects Masiello. "I never looked too far ahead and just fought the battle of the day. I really tried to give every assignment my best effort, one assignment at a time."

Some of those assignments led him to places like Lakenheath, England as an F-111F instructor pilot; Eglin AFB, Florida as an experimental test pilot and, later, commander of the 40th Flight Test Squadron and director of AFRL's Munitions Directorate; Washington D.C. in numerous roles, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Plans, Programs, and Operations at the U.S. Department of State, and Director of Special Programs for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, the Pentagon; and finally, Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio as commander of AFRL, his final Air Force duty.

Masiello met his wife, Lt. Gen. Wendy Masiello, while he was serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs at AF Headquarters in Washington, D.C. They both then received assignments at Eglin AFB, Florida and continued to date, eventually marrying in 1997.

During his time as AFRL commander, Masiello championed technology "game changers," including hypersonics, autonomy, and directed energy. His vision was that these technologies are the key to US Air Force maintaining its edge as the world's most technologically-advanced. He travelled the world telling everyone he could how AFRL's scientists and engineers are among the greatest in the world, emphasizing that their ingenuity and dedication is what makes AFRL a cutting-edge, world-class organization.

"Being the commander of AFRL has been the highlight of my time in the Air Force," remarked Masiello. "I thought flying fighters was fun, but AFRL easily tops that. This organization has brilliant and motivated people, all working to protect our nation. I have not seen anything like the passion AFRL people have for our mission. They are well resourced and on track to create and shape the Air Force of the future."

In his new life as a retired general, Masiello plans to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also intends to fill his days with plenty of golf and travel. He adds that the people of the Air Force is what he will miss most about active duty.

Regarding the outlook of the Air Force, Masiello is quite optimistic.

"The future of the Air Force is extremely promising," says Masiello. "The quality of young Air Force officers is outstanding today. They are polished, technically savvy, and well-read. Today's enlisted force is made of up technical experts that have the skills and dedication to get the job done right - every time."

Masiello added the following advice to those just joining the Air Force: "It's a privilege to serve - don't forget that. Take one assignment at a time, and give it your all."