NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland -- Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) commander, and Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe, PACAF command chief, discussed the strategic intent for current and future Air Force operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region during the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference at the Gaylord National Resort here, Sept. 19 - 21.
Through a variety of AFA panels, media roundtable discussions, think tank dialogues and other engagements, Wilsbach and Wolfe discussed their objective to prioritize the importance of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command theater, where military exercises factor heavily into regional security.
“We strengthen our air, space, and cyber muscles at major Indo-Pacific exercises, joined at the hip with our Allies and partners from across the world,” Wilsbach said. “We continue to work closely with them to refine our tactics, techniques, and procedures in support of our operations, to include increasing Agile Combat Employment integration with several European nations.”
Exercises such as PITCH BLACK, COPE NORTH, RED FLAG-Alaska, PACIFIC ANGEL, BALIKITAN, and VALIANT SHIELD are among a long list of regular exercises conducted at locations throughout the Indo-Pacific that project air power, while performing ACE and joint all-domain command and control.
“The Pacific is a power projection theater,” explained Wolfe, who was also a key speaker at AFA. “Our ability to provide air dominance is the foundation on which our Allied and partner nations build their operational effects.”
One of Wolfe’s main objectives is to develop an international enlisted corps that is relevant, ready and trained. He recently laid the groundwork for the new Inter-Pacific Air Forces Academy, which will bring together a variety of enlisted leaders throughout Allied and partner nations within the Indo-Pacific to develop effective multilateral enlisted teams with a strong partnership network.
Overall, the dialogue and topics discussed during AFA’s Air, Space, and Cyber Conference promoted the U.S. Air Force and Space Forces as the foundation for a strong national defense, while enforcing the critical need for unrivaled aerospace power.
The PACAF leaders also took time to honor the Air Force’s 75th anniversary on Sept. 18 while anticipating the advancements and hard work of future Air Force generations.
“As we look ahead the next 75 years, we must continue to adapt and modernize so our forces have the warfighting capabilities they need to stay ahead of our near-peer competitors, while also ensuring our Airmen and their families have the resources they need to thrive,” Wilsbach said.
PACAF Airmen routinely reinforce bonds with Allies and partners to sharpen America’s competitive edge, secure common interests, and promote shared values in the spirit of a free and open Indo-Pacific.