Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi embarked on a week-long tour of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility, starting at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The purpose of this tour is to observe the progress made in implementing Agile Combat Employment, a strategic maneuvering concept aimed at increasing combat power and survivability. Secretary Kendall emphasized the importance of readiness and deterrence in the Pacific region due to the rapid military buildup of China, stating that supporting Airmen and Guardians in the region is crucial for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
During their visit, the senior leaders met with key military officials such as Navy Adm. John Aquilino and Gen. Kevin Schneider to discuss how the U.S. Air Force would operate as part of the Joint Force in a modern and contested environment. They also engaged with representatives of the U.S. Space Force Indo-Pacific Command to address space capabilities and requirements in support of the Joint Force. At PACAF headquarters, the leaders observed a mobility processing line for ACE deployments, evaluated ongoing ACE training, and were briefed on upcoming exercises designed to enhance deterrence and combat capabilities with allies and partners.
Agile Combat Employment is a critical operational concept that requires Airmen to be prepared for competition against great powers by operating from smaller, dispersed locations rather than traditional centralized bases. This shift in strategy enhances survivability, complicates adversary planning, and provides an advantage in contested environments where air bases are no longer safe havens. PACAF is leveraging technology and empowering Airmen to execute missions quickly and adaptably in unpredictable ways, promoting a culture of innovation, readiness, and continuous improvement within the ACE framework.
As the leaders’ first stop on their tour, PACAF headquarters allowed them to engage with Airmen of all ranks and emphasize how ACE supports the service’s top priority of reoptimizing for Great Power Competition. Alongside allies and partners, PACAF Airmen are committed to enhancing ACE employment capabilities to achieve a more competitive posture in response to challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The leadership and Airmen in PACAF are dedicated to working with allies and partners to deter and defeat aggression, showcasing their readiness and determination in the face of evolving security threats.
