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Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak announced last week in a letter posted on Air Guard social media sites his decision to step down as acting director of the Air National Guard effective July 31.
The Oregon Air Guard officer has served in the position as two-star general fulfilling the responsibilities of a three-star general since June 2024, when Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh of Colorado retired after four years as Air Guard director.
The position has responsibility for formulating, developing and coordinating all federal policies, plans and programs related to the Air Guard nationwide.
Pirak said his decision was driven by his “family’s best interests.”
“There is only one thing I love more than this vocation, this service, and this responsibility — and this is my family,” he wrote. “I am thankful for the Secretary of Air Force’s support in my decision to retire.”
Jan. 1, 2027, is Pirak’s effective date or retirement, according to Air Guard officials.
Pirak has presided over the Air Guard during a period of high operations tempo, most notably the last few months as the force made significant contributions to Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela and Operation Epic Fury in Iran.
“We commend Major General Pirak on his nearly 30 years of outstanding service, especially the last two as acting director of the Air National Guard,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, the NGAUS president.
“This is undoubtedly a challenging time for our Air National Guard as recapitalization of our legacy fighter and mobility fleets is long overdue and remains a top NGAUS priority. Yet, with Major General Pirak at the helm, our Air Guard has continued to be an indispensable part of day-to-day Air Force worldwide operations.”
Then-President Joe Biden nominated Pirak for a third star and to be ANG director in March 2024, but the Senate never confirmed him.
In December 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the adjutant general of Texas, for a third star and the position. The Senate has yet to act on the nomination.
As a result, Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, the National Guard Bureau chief, has selected Maj. Gen. Randal K. Efferson as acting director of the Air Guard effective Aug. 1.
Efferson, an Alabama Air Guard officer, is currently special assistant to the Air Guard director. He is a fighter pilot with more than 3,700 flight hours, including 600 in combat.
—By John Goheen
