Gen. Kevin B. Schneider has taken over as the new Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) commander during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Schneider succeeds Gen. Ken Wilsbach, who had been in command since July 2020. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin presided over the change of command and emphasized the importance of PACAF in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Schneider, who has spent 12 years of his career in the Indo-Pacific region, will oversee 46,000 Airmen across the region, including Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam.
Schneider shared his vision for PACAF Airmen to continue integrating with Allies and partners, emphasizing the importance of stability and deterrence in the face of growing challenges. His priorities include caring for people, ensuring force readiness, and driving modernization, all of which are included in the PACAF 2030 strategy. Schneider expressed his faith in the abilities of Airmen to solve tough issues and deter those who undermine peace and stability.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including the Honorable Kristyn Jones, Under Secretary of the Air Force, and Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Aquilino expressed gratitude for Wilsbach’s leadership and dedication throughout his time in command, noting the significant strides made in ACE and maritime interdiction capabilities. Wilsbach, who spent over 20 years of his career in the Pacific, will become the Air Combat Command commander at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
Overall, the change of command ceremony marked a transition in leadership for PACAF, with Gen. Schneider taking over the reins and emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Images and subject matter derived from 3rd party sources including www.af.mil.
