Jimmie Vick Adams

General, U.S. Air Force

Jimmie Vick Adams was born on 1 May 1936 in Prichard, AL. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University in 1957. He was commissioned in the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps and entered active duty in January 1958.

Upon completion of pilot training at Webb AFB, TX, Adams flew with the 437th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Oxnard AFB, CA, until January 1962. After receiving his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1963, he was assigned as an engineer and test pilot with the Air Force Weapons Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, NM, from August 1963 to May 1966. He completed Squadron Officer School in 1964.

He then served as an F-4 aircraft Commander, Fighter Weapons Instructor and Flight Commander with the 78th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force Station Woodbridge, England. In August 1969, he was assigned as an F-4 Aircraft Commander to the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron and, later, as Chief, Tactics Officer, for the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. From August 1970 to June 1973, he was a member of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps staff at Auburn University. He then transferred to Headquarters Tactical Air Command at Langley AFB, VA, as a Requirements Officer.

He was assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, in June 1975 as Commander of the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and then as Special Assistant to the Deputy Commander for Operations with the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, also at Seymour Johnson. After graduation from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in July 1978, Adams served as Deputy Chief, then as Chief, of the Tactical Requirements Division, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, DC.

In November 1979, he returned to TAC Headquarters as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Requirements and remained there until assuming Command of the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing, England AFB, LA, in March 1981. Adams was assigned as Deputy Director for Operations and Training, Plans and Operations, Air Force Headquarters, from April 1983 until February 1984. He then became Special Assistant for tactical modernization, research, development and acquisition.

He was assigned as Deputy Chief of Staff, Requirements, TAC headquarters, in August 1985, and assumed Command of the 1st Air Force at Langley in July 1987. He took the Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course in 1987.

In July 1988, he was assigned as TAC Vice Commander and Vice Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Air Forces Atlantic. He became Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Air Force Headquarters, in March 1989.

On 13 February 1991, Adams was promoted to the rank of four-star General and assumed the duty of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF).

General Adams retired from the Air Force on 1 February 1993. During his service, he became a Command Pilot with over 3,800 flying hours, including 141 combat missions. He has flown numerous fighter aircraft, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, F-86 Sabre, F-89 Scorpion, F-100 Super Sabre, F-101 Voodoo and F-104 Starfighter.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Medal with Silver and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon
Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon
Air Force Longevity Service Award
Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Command Pilot Badge

In Retirement

After retiring from the military, Adams became Senior Vice President, Washington Operations of L-3 Communications.

He also sits on the Board of Directors of the National Defense Industrial Association.