Markus Gygax

Last updated
Markus Gygax
Born (1950-04-30) 30 April 1950 (age 71)
Solothurn, Switzerland
AllegianceFlag of Switzerland.svg   Switzerland
Service/branch Swiss Air Force
Years of service1971–2012
Rank CHE OF8 KKdt horizontal.svg Lieutenant General
Commands heldChief of Staff of the Swiss Air Force

Lieutenant General Markus Gygax is a former commander of the Swiss Air Force. His active career within the SAF began in 1971 when he achieved his qualification as a pilot. In 1973 he joined the surveillance wing flying the Hawker Hunter, and in 1978 underwent conversion to the F-5 at Williams AFB, Arizona. He was also pilot by the Swiss Air Force's jet display team Patrouille Suisse when they used the Hawker Hunter. Starting with 1985 until 1989 he was the head of the F-5 training school. In 1994 he was appointed interim commander of an aviation regiment and from 1998 through 2002 he commanded the 31st Aviation Brigade. By 2003 he became chief of air force operations and deputy commander of the air force.

Contents

He took office as overall commander of the Swiss Air Force on 1 March 2009 and gathered more than 4,600 flying hours. [1] He retired in 2012, his successor was Aldo C. Schellenberg.

Milestones

Decorations and awards

Pilot Abzeichen Tenu A.png
CHE Length of service decoration.svg CHE Ribbons Rosette Gold.svg CHE Ribbons Rosette Gold.svg CHE Ribbons Rosette Gold.svg
CHE Skill-at-arms decoration Assault rifle level 1.png CHE Military Sports decoration, second class.png CHE Mission Insignia Operations within Switzerland.png
Pilot insignia
Length of Service Decoration
with three golden rosettes
Military Assault rifle level 1 Military sport (Level 2) Operations within Switzerland

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References

  1. Force Report:Swiss Air Force, Air Forces Monthly magazine, September 2009 issue, p. 71.