Center Interview General James M. “Mike” Holmes
On November 14, 2025, the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War interviewed Air Force General James M. “Mike” Holmes. General James M. “Mike” Holmes is 4-Star General in the United States Air Force. He was born in Knoxville, TN in 1957. His impeccable career covered 4 major combat operations that include Operation Desert Storm, the War in Kosovo, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Gen Holmes career also covered 4 major Commands that include being the Commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Gen. Holmes entered the Air Force through Officer Training School in 1981 after receiving a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He has commanded the 27th Fighter Squadron, the 14th Operations Group, the 4th Fighter Wing and the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. He has served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and on Headquarters Staff(s) of the United States Air Force, U.S. European Command and Pacific Air Forces. Prior to that he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia. He is a command pilot with more than 4,000 hours, including more than 530 combat hours in the F-15A/B/C/D/E, and has also flown the T/AT-38, T-37 and T-1A. Gen Holmes retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2020.
During the visit, General Holmes donated materials to Center that can be viewed here.
You can view our interview by clicking here.