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ORLANDO, Fla.—Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein on Feb. 27 received the highest award USAF enlisted personnel can bestow, the Order of the Sword.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright presented the award, and large sword, during a speech at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium here, saying it demonstrates the “incredible support (Goldfein) provided enlisted airmen.”

.@cmsaf18 awarded @GenDaveGoldfein with the Order of the Sword at #AWS2020.



The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted community can bestow upon anyone. pic.twitter.com/UoYpdyx6nw — U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) February 27, 2020

The award was a unanimous decision from enlisted leaders of the Air Force, Wright said. There have been 250 recipients of the award, with four former chiefs of staff receiving the award while in the service’s top position.

The surprise, emotional awarding came during Goldfein’s last Air Warfare Symposium speech as chief, before his expected retirement this summer.