About this Unit
Headquarters Pacific Air Forces (HQ PACAF) was established on July 1, 1957, as the major command of the United States Air Force responsible for operations in the Indo-Pacific region. PACAF traces its lineage to the Far East Air Forces, which played a vital role in World War II and the Korean War. Throughout the Cold War, PACAF provided air defense and power projection across the Pacific, supporting operations in Vietnam and deterring regional threats. Today, HQ PACAF, based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, continues to lead air operations, partnerships, and humanitarian missions across a vast and strategically important theater.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: Headquarters Pacific Air Forces (HQ PACAF) was officially activated on July 1, 1957, consolidating Air Force operations in the Pacific region during the early Cold War era.
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Strategic Location: HQ PACAF is based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, a location chosen for its critical proximity to both the U.S. mainland and Asia-Pacific theaters.
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World War II Legacy: The origins of PACAF trace back to the Far East Air Forces, which played a pivotal role in the Pacific Campaign against Japan during World War II.
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Korean War Role: PACAF units provided vital air support, logistics, and reconnaissance during the Korean War, significantly influencing the outcome of key battles.
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Vietnam War Operations: PACAF commanded and coordinated massive air operations during the Vietnam War, including Operation Rolling Thunder and Operation Linebacker.
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Humanitarian Missions: HQ PACAF has led numerous humanitarian relief operations in the Pacific, notably after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami.
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First Female Commander: In 2018, Lt. Gen. Lori J. Robinson became the first woman to command PACAF, making history in the U.S. Air Force.
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Multinational Exercises: PACAF regularly hosts multinational exercises such as Cope North and Red Flag-Alaska, fostering interoperability with allied air forces across the Indo-Pacific.
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Home to Advanced Aircraft: The command oversees some of the most advanced U.S. Air Force aircraft, including F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lightning IIs, and B-2 Spirit bombers.
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Pacific Defender: HQ PACAF's motto, "Guardians of the Pacific," reflects its mission to ensure air superiority and regional stability across one of the world’s largest and most strategically important areas.
