North assumes command of Pacific Air Forces

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • Pacific Air Force Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  The command of Pacific Air Forces, celebrating 65 years of providing American airpower in the Pacific this month, was passed today from Gen. Howie Chandler to Gen. Gary North during a ceremony here on Freedom Tower Mall.

North assumed command after completing three and a half years of leading the air campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chandler, the commander since November 2007, relinquished command to become the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, presided over the ceremony along with commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Navy Adm. Timothy Keating.

Schwartz lauded Chandler's accomplishments in strengthening alliances and invigorating partnerships with numerous nations in the Pacific region. The service's top officer also presented Chandler with a Distinguished Service Medal.

In addition to Chandler's "constant drum beat" for readiness and engaging partner nations in the Pacific, Schwartz praised the outgoing commander's commitment to people.

"PACAF's success is a testament to Chandler's leadership, and to the unwavering commitment of the dedicated Airmen and their supportive families under his command, who made it all happen," said Schwartz. "In an (area of responsibility) encompassing almost half the globe, among nine major installations, from the tropics to the arctic, nowhere is there a greater need for a strong advocate for Air Force families and you have answered that call."

Before inspecting the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps joint band and 10 formations of PACAF Airmen assembled on the parade field, Chandler thanked the men and women of PACAF. "Every day, I am impressed by your ingenuity and initiative. As Eva-Marie and I depart, you have our sincerest thanks for the work you have done here."

A common theme in the remarks of both presiding officers was the wealth of Pacific experience that North brings to the job. North has commanded the 35th Operations Group at Misawa Air Base, Japan; 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan AB, South Korea; and the 18th Wing at Kadena AB, Japan. He was also the director of operations for U.S. Pacific Command at Camp Smith, Hawaii, and deputy director of politico-military affairs for Asia-Pacific on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.

"No one is better qualified," said Schwartz. "It is appropriate for Gary to become the commander of Pacific Air Forces, so today, Gary, we welcome you to the Pacific once again."

North thanked Schwartz and Keating for their faith in his ability to lead PACAF and made a pledge to the Airmen and civilians of the Pacific.

"Thank you for making this a special day," said North. "For the days to come you have my commitment to lead, serve alongside, and follow, to ensure that the Pacific Air Forces, and the Airmen and civilians that serve in the Pacific, continue their legacy of valor and the traditions of honor that have served so well to benefit stability, security and prosperity in the region for the last 65 years," North said. "I am humbled to be selected by our chief and Admiral Keating."

North, who is accompanied by his wife, Shelley, received his fourth star in a ceremony prior to the change of command. He is a command pilot with more than 4,500 hours in the F-4 Phantom, F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from East Carolina University, N.C., in 1976 and later earned three master's degrees.

As the former commander of 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central headquartered at Shaw AFB, S.C., North was responsible for the U.S. Central Command air campaigns in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His major awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with "V" device and oak leaf cluster.

North is the air component commander for PACOM and is responsible for 5th Air Force, Yokota Air Base, Japan; 7th Air Force, Osan Air Base, South Korea; 11th Air Force, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; and 13th Air Force at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.