In July 1977 he returned to the United States as director for plans and policy (J-5), Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C. In June 1978, he became commander of Tactical Air Command's 9th Air Force with headquarters at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina.
Riley was associated with the Civilian Personnel Office at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina during World War Two, from 1942 to 1944.
Between September 1946 and June 1947, he served as flight commander, operations officer, and commander of the 77th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.
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In August 1969 he was assigned as vice commander of the Ninth Air Force with headquarters at Shaw Air Force Base.