Air Fleet General ION Cristinel-Reliu was born on 20th October 1965, in Vedea, Arges County. He graduated from “Tudor Vladimirescu” High School, in Craiova in 1984 and then attended the Military School for Commissioned Officers “Aurel Vlaicu” in Boboc which he graduated in 1988. After this year he was assigned helicopter pilot to Air Force Staff squadrons. From 1990, he forwarded in his career step-by-step as a military pilot at the 90th Airlift Base in Otopeni. In 2003, after graduating from the Academy of High Military Studies (today University of Defense) – Air Force and Air Defense Section, Colonel Ion returned to the 90th Airlift Base (today 90th Airlift Flotilla) filling positions as squadron commander, AB Chief for Operations and Training, helicopter group commander, deputy-commander - 90th Airlift Flotilla. Air Fleet General Ion has flown over 2600 hours as helicopter pilot 1st class, all-weather flight instructor, and pilot assigned to receive/certify IAR-330L and M helicopters.

Air Fleet General Ion Cristinel is married and has a son.

EDUCATION:
- Military School for Commissioned Officers “Aurel Vlaicu”, flying personnel, 1988;
- Course for Squadron Commanders, 1999;
- Academy of High Military Studies – Air Force and Air Defense Section, 2003;
- Post-academic course for improving Air Force command and control skills, 2006;
- Post-academic course for improving strategic command, 2009;
- Military English Course, 2011.

ASSIGNMENTS:
1988-1990 – helicopter pilot in Air Force Staff squadrons;
1990-2001 – chief-pilot and crew commander, 90th Airlift Base;
2003-2008 – squadron commander; AB chief for operations and training; helo group commander, 90th Airlift Base;
2008-2011 - deputy-commander 90th Airlift Flotilla;
From 06/06/2011 has performed current position.

PROMOTIONS:
1988 – Lieutenant;
1991 – First Lieutenant;
1995 – Captain;
1999 – Major;
2003 – Lieutenant Colonel;
2007 – Colonel;
2011 - Air Fleet General.

ORDERS AND MEDALS:
- Emblem of Merit “Humanitarian Operations’, 1st class, 2007;
- Romanian Armed Forces Emblem of Honor, 2008;
- Romanian Air Force Emblem of Honor, 2010;
- Honorary Token “In Service of the Army” for 20 years of service, 2008