Pacific Air Forces

Pacific Air Forces
Unit name	Pacific Air Forces
Dates	1944–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Major Command
Command structure	United States Indo-Pacific Command
Garrison	Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Hawaii
Garrison label	Headquarters
Nickname	PACAF
Battles	World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Global War on Terrorism
Notable commanders	George Kenney, Earl E. Partridge, Lucius D. Clay Jr.

Pacific Air Forces. It is a Major Command of the United States Air Force and serves as the air component for the United States Indo-Pacific Command, the oldest and largest of the U.S. unified combatant commands. Headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam in Hawaii, it is responsible for air operations across a vast area spanning from the West Coast of the United States to the Indian Ocean and from the Arctic to the Antarctic. The command's mission encompasses deterring aggression, maintaining regional stability, and providing integrated air and space capabilities in support of U.S. national interests throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

History

The command's origins trace back to the Far East Air Forces, activated in August 1944 under the leadership of General George Kenney during the final campaigns of World War II in the Pacific Theater. Following the war, it was redesignated as the Pacific Air Command in 1945 before being re-established as the Far East Air Forces in 1947, playing a central role in the Korean War by providing airpower for operations like the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. In 1957, it received its current name and later directed extensive air campaigns throughout the Vietnam War, including operations like Operation Rolling Thunder and Operation Linebacker II. Since the end of the Cold War, it has been pivotal in operations such as the Gulf War, enforcement of the No-fly zone over Iraq, and continuous engagement and readiness exercises across the Asia-Pacific.

Organization

The command is structured with its main headquarters at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam and includes several numbered air forces that provide operational reach across the region. The Fifth Air Force, headquartered at Yokota Air Base in Japan, focuses on the Northeast Asia area. The Seventh Air Force, based at Osan Air Base in the Republic of Korea, is aligned with the United States Forces Korea and the Republic of Korea Air Force. The Eleventh Air Force, located at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Alaska, is responsible for the Arctic and North Pacific regions. These components, along with the 613th Air Operations Center and numerous wings and groups, are integrated under the United States Indo-Pacific Command structure to ensure unified action with sister services like the United States Pacific Fleet and United States Army Pacific.

Major units

Key subordinate units include the 5th Air Force in Japan, overseeing wings such as the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base and the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base. The 7th Air Force in South Korea commands the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base and the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base. In Alaska, the 11th Air Force directs the 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson and the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base. Additional significant units directly under the headquarters include the 15th Wing in Hawaii, the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, and the 613th Air Operations Center, which serves as the nerve center for air and space operations planning and execution across the theater.

Aircraft

The inventory features a diverse array of modern combat, mobility, and support aircraft. Primary fighter and attack platforms include the F-22 Raptor, operated by the 199th Fighter Squadron and 19th Fighter Squadron in Hawaii, the F-35A Lightning II at Eielson Air Force Base, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15E Strike Eagle deployed in South Korea and Japan. Air superiority is provided by the F-15C Eagle, while the A-10 Thunderbolt II offers close air support. Strategic and tactical airlift is conducted by the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, and C-12 Huron. The command also operates the E-3 Sentry for airborne early warning and control, KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for aerial refueling, and RQ-4 Global Hawk for high-altitude reconnaissance missions.

Commanders

Notable commanders have shaped the command's history, beginning with its first commander, General George Kenney, a pioneer of United States Army Air Forces tactics in the South West Pacific Area. During the Korean War, Lieutenant General Earl E. Partridge led the Far East Air Forces through its initial combat operations. In the modern era, General Lucius D. Clay Jr. commanded during a period of strategic realignment in the late 1980s. Other distinguished leaders include General Merrell A. Baker, General Gary L. North, and General Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, who later commanded the United States Northern Command. The commander typically holds the rank of General and also serves as the air component commander for United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Role and responsibilities

Its primary role is to provide ready air and space power to promote U.S. security interests, assure allies, and deter potential adversaries throughout the Indo-Pacific. This involves maintaining a continuous forward presence through rotational deployments and permanent basing in locations like Japan, South Korea, and Guam. Key responsibilities include conducting joint and combined air operations, executing bilateral and multilateral exercises such as Cope North and Red Flag – Alaska, and ensuring interoperability with allied air forces like the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force. The command also plays a critical role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, as seen during responses to events like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and Typhoon Haiyan.

Category:United States Air Force commands Category:Military units and formations in Hawaii Category:Military in the Pacific Ocean