General Sir Michael John Wigston KCB CBE ADC (born 29 July 1968) is a retired senior officer of the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) who served as the [[Chief of the Air Staff]], the professional head of the RAF, from July 2019 to June 2023.
Early life and education
Wigston was born on 29 July 1968. He was educated at [[Peterhouse, Cambridge]], where he read [[Natural Sciences]].
Career
Wigston was commissioned into the Royal Air Force on 29 July 1989. He initially trained as a pilot, flying the [[Harrier (aircraft)|Harrier GR.7/GR.9]]. His early career included operational deployments, notably flying during [[Operation Allied Force]] in Kosovo in 1999 and [[Operation Telic]] in Iraq in 2003.
He held various command and staff appointments throughout his career, including:
- Officer Commanding No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron
- Station Commander of [[RAF Marham]]
- Commander British Forces Cyprus and Administrator of the [[Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia]]
- Assistant Chief of the Air Staff
- Commander, [[Joint Force Command]] (later renamed [[Strategic Command]])
Chief of the Air Staff
In May 2019, it was announced that Wigston would be appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier. He officially assumed the role on 26 July 2019. During his tenure as CAS, Wigston focused on the modernisation of the RAF, including investment in new technologies, space capabilities, and the integration of artificial intelligence. He also oversaw the RAF's response to various global challenges and continued its commitment to operations worldwide.
Wigston retired from the RAF in June 2023 and was succeeded by Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton.
Awards and decorations
Wigston has received several significant awards and decorations throughout his service:
- [[Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath]] (KCB) – 2020 [[New Year Honours]]
- [[Commander of the Order of the British Empire]] (CBE) – 2013 [[New Year Honours]]
- [[Air Force Cross]] (AFC) – 2001 [[Birthday Honours]]
His full ribbon bar would include campaign medals such as the [[NATO Medal (Kosovo)|NATO Medal (Kosovo)]], [[Iraq Medal]], and [[Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal]].
Personal life
Wigston is married and has children. He is a keen runner and cyclist.