Akshai "Abu" Gandhi is an experienced military officer currently serving as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the United States Air Force since November 2023. Prior to this role, Gandhi commanded the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing at Air Forces Central Command from May 2023 to October 2023 and held various leadership positions within the Air National Guard, including Chief of Staff - Air and Commander of the 169th Fighter Wing. Gandhi has also served as Deputy CFACC at NORAD & US Northern Command and has extensive experience as an F-16 pilot across several fighter squadrons. With a Master's degree in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University and a Bachelor's in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, Gandhi's career spans over three decades of military service, including roles in flight test engineering and advanced programs management.