AFA Connect
David A. Deptula, Dean of AFA's Mitchell Institute
Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), leads the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Explore his current Institute work and documented Air Force career.
What does David Deptula do at AFA?
AFA's current staff directory lists Deptula as Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. The Institute's own biography also identifies him as its dean and PenFed Chair for Aerospace Studies. The Institute publishes research and hosts discussions on airpower, spacepower, and national security; our Institute guide explains where to find its current work and how it relates to AFA advocacy.
Air Force service
Deptula retired from the Air Force in 2010 after more than 34 years of service. His official Air Force biography identifies him as the service's first Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. It records more than 3,000 flying hours, including 400 in combat. The Mitchell Institute biography describes his work planning the 1991 Desert Storm air campaign, command of no-fly-zone operations over Iraq, and leadership of air operations over Afghanistan in 2001. These are historical military roles, separate from his present Institute position.
Where can I read his current research?
Start with the Institute's live Deptula profile and publications library for his latest work and its publication dates. The AFA staff directory shows the broader team, while our advocacy guide links to AFA's own current policy positions. Research by an Institute scholar should not be mistaken for a current Association policy statement without checking the original source.
Sources and review date
Reviewed October 13, 2026 against AFA's staff directory, the Mitchell Institute's current biography and portrait, and the U.S. Air Force service biography. The original portrait metadata credits Jud McCrehin/Air & Space Forces Association. AFA and the Institute control current titles and responsibilities; the Air Force record documents historical service.