Alfred G. Hansen

General, U.S. Air Force

Alfred G. Hansen was born on 13 April 1933 in New York City, NY. He graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, NY, in 1951 and then attended Hofstra College.

He initially enlisted in the Air Force and later was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the aviation cadet program, receiving his pilot wings in February 1955 at Vance AFB, OK. His first assignment was with the 303rd Air Refueling Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, as a KC-97 Stratotanker pilot. In December 1958, he was assigned to Castle AFB, CA, for KC-135 combat crew training and upon completion was assigned as an Boeing EC-135 and KC-135 pilot with the 34th Air Refueling Squadron at Offutt AFB, NE, until August 1965.

After graduating from Air Command and Staff College in July 1966, Hansen was assigned to the Air Force Systems Command, Headquarters Air Force Eastern Test Range, Patrick AFB, FL, and served as a member of the Apollo spacecraft recovery team until March 1968. He then was assigned to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, as an A-1 Skyraider pilot with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, later re-designated the 1st Special Operations Squadron. He flew 113 combat missions. From September 1968 to March 1969, he served in the Republic of Vietnam as a Fighter Operations Staff Officer at Headquarters 7th Air Force, Tan Son Nhut Air Base.

Hansen was assigned to Headquarters Tactical Air Command at Langley AFB, VA, from April 1969 to July 1971. While there he served as Chief and, later, Operations Staff Officer in the Aircraft Allocation and Flying Hour, and Operational Planning branches, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations. After completing Air War College in November 1972, he was assigned to Pope AFB, NC. He first served as Operations Officer with the 39th Tactical Airlift Squadron and then, from June 1973 until November 1974, as Commander of the 41st Tactical Airlift Squadron. During this period, he commanded several overseas squadron rotational missions in Thailand, England and West Germany. He then was assigned to the 317th Tactical Airlift Wing staff as the Deputy Commander for Maintenance. After graduation with honors from the Aircraft Maintenance-Avionics Officers Course at Chanute AFB, IL, in 1975, he returned to the Wing as Deputy Commander for Maintenance.

In October 1977, Hansen was assigned to Headquarters Military Airlift Command, Scott AFB, IL, as Director of Maintenance Engineering. He assumed Command of the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, AR, in October 1978. During his tenure, the Wing participated in the Worldwide Airlift competition, winning the Best Maintenance Award in 1979 and the General William Moore Trophy for best overall airlift wing in 1981. In August 1981, he returned to Military Airlift Command Headquarters as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, responsible for ensuring the logistics readiness of worldwide airlift forces.

From February 1983 to May 1985, he was assigned as Director for Logistics Plans and Programs, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and Engineering, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, DC. He also served as primary member of the Air Staff Board. In June 1985, he became Director for Logistics, J-4, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington. In this position, he was responsible for worldwide logistics in support of theater commander's war plans, was a member of the Senior NATO Logistics Forum and directed the study that resulted in the formation of the U.S. Transportation Command.

On 1 August 1987, Hansen was promoted to the four-star rank of General and assumed the duty of Commander, Air Force Logistics Command (COMAFLC). He is the recipient of the 1988 Eugene M. Zuckert Management Award for outstanding management achievements in the Air Force.

General Hansen retired from the Air Force on 1 November 1989. During his service, he became a Command Pilot with over 7,000 flying hours.

He received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from Troy State University in 1972.

Medals and Awards

Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

Legion of Merit (3 Awards)

Distinguished Flying Cross (2 Awards)

Bronze Star Medal

Meritorious Service Medal

Air Medal (8 Awards)

Air Force Commendation Medal (3 Awards)

Presidential Unit Citation

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (4 Awards)

Combat Readiness Medal

Good Conduct Medal

National Defense Service Medal with Service Star

Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Service Stars

Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short

Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long

Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon (9 Awards)

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Air Force Training Ribbon

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Badges

Command Pilot Badge