HQ PACAF

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Korean War Role: PACAF units provided vital air support, logistics, and reconnaissance during the Korean War, significantly influencing the outcome of key battles. • Vietnam War Operations: PACAF commanded and coordinated massive air operations during the Vietnam War, including Operation Rolling Thunder and Operation Linebacker. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.