Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula

Military Aerospace Power Expert & Retired USAF Lieutenant General; Principal Attack Planner for Desert Storm; Author of "Airpower Pioneers"

Washington, DC, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $10,000 - $20,000 More Fee Info
Education, Military, Security & Defense, Strategic Leadership, Veterans
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Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula Biography

Lieutenant General David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), is recognized for his expertise in military aerospace power and airpower strategy. Deptula transitioned from the U.S. Air Force after more than 34 years of service, during which he accumulated over 3,000 flying hours, including 400 in combat, across multiple fighter aircraft such as the F-15. His contributions to airpower theory and practice are detailed in books including "Airpower Pioneers: From Billy Mitchell to Dave Deptula" and "America's Airman: David Deptula and the Airpower Moment."

Deptula served as the principal attack planner for the Desert Storm coalition air campaign and commanded no-fly zone operations over Iraq, flying 82 combat missions as a general officer. He was the first director of the Combined Air Operations Center, orchestrating air operations over Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks. In the early 1990s, Deptula played a key role in developing the concept later known as effects-based operations, applying it in the planning for the Operation Desert Storm air campaign. This framework influenced subsequent air campaigns in Operations Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, and is reflected in joint targeting cells and Air Force doctrine. Deptula also developed "Global Reach, Global Power," the Air Force's first service-wide mission statement since its establishment as a separate military branch.

Deptula was the first deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) at Air Force Headquarters, where he shaped military use of unmanned aerial vehicles and led policy formulation, planning, and leadership of Air Force ISR and remotely piloted aircraft. He initiated the Air Force's first ISR strategy, established the Air Force ISR Agency, and developed an ISR flight plan to optimize decision-making. Deptula also served as the Joint Force Air Component Commander for Operation Unified Assistance, the South Asia tsunami relief effort, and as the standing JFACC for Pacific Command. He participated in two congressional commissions on America's future defense.

As the inaugural dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, Deptula expanded the institute's influence through video forums with senior aerospace defense leadership, research and policy papers, and the Aerospace Advantage podcast series. The Mitchell Institute is the only U.S. think tank focused exclusively on air and space power, dedicated to educating the public, informing policy discussions, and supporting Air Force and Space Force funding.

Deptula has received multiple honors, including the Air Force Historical Foundation's Gen. Carl Spaatz Award for lifetime contributions to Air Force or Space Force history, and the Air Force Association's H.H. Arnold Award for national security. He was also named Air Force ROTC Distinguished Alumnus. An author and commentator, Deptula continues to contribute to discussions on aerospace power, national security strategy, and defense policy.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/04/2026.

Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula Videos

David Deptula - 21st Century Air Power: Opportunities & Risks

David Deptula - 21st Century Air Power: Opportunities & Risks

We’re joined by Lieutenant General (ret.) David Deptula, the Dean of the Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Power Studies. Gen Deptula is a...

Leadership With Little - Chat with Ret Lt Gen David Deptula - Why We Lead

Leadership With Little - Chat with Ret Lt Gen David Deptula - Why We Lead

Leaders, I had the honor of interviewing Ret. Lt Gen David Deptula in this video on a multitude of topics including leadership, reading, writing,...

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The American Injustice System

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    Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Education, Military, Security & Defense, Strategic Leadership, Veterans

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Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Scott Kindsvater, Marc H. Sasseville, General Thomas A. Bussiere, Spider Marks and Robert F. Behler. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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