Two United States Air Force (USAF) chiefs have begun their week-long tour of the Indo-Pacific region. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi arrived at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam yesterday and will make several stops in the region through October 18th.
USAF chiefs begin Indo-Pacific tour
It’s no secret that the US military is focusing heavily on its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, where any future conflict with “pacing challenge” China will likely take place. Allvin and Flosi are conducting a week-long tour to “engage directly with critical allies and partners” in the region to enhance security and stability. The two Air Force chiefs first stopped off at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to visit 15th Wing before touching down at Andersen AFB yesterday.
Photo: USAF
At Andersen AFB, they received updates from 36th Wing Airmen on its capabilities and regional partnerships and also inspected the base’s conventional war reserve materiel stockpile, the largest of any USAF base. Allvin commented,
“American airpower delivers a firm and visible message that shapes any security environment. Team Andersen embodies that by demonstrating our credible capabilities and resolve daily. If the security environment shifts, these Airmen are ready.”
Led by Brig. Gen. Palenske and Command Chief Master Sgt. Tim Hodgin, the 36th Wing Airmen is the host wing at Anderson AFB and part of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). The non-flying wing is responsible for ensuring readiness by supporting operations at the base, such as strategic bomber, airlift and logistics operations.
Allvin and Flosi will visit Tokyo today to participate in an international Air Force forum hosted by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) from October 14th to 16th. Allvin will be part of a panel of addressing senior leaders from 20 nations and will also conduct meetings with select allies and partners. The two chiefs are also scheduled to make additional stops in the region before their tour concludes on October 18th.
Photo: somkanae sawatdinak | Shutterstock
Their visit comes as China steps up its military maneuvers in the region, today launching new drills off the coast of Taiwan as what it deemed “punishment” for a recent speech given by Taiwan’s president, William Lai, resisting Chinese aggression. These drills involved all wings of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and simulated an all-out attack on Taiwan.
About Andersen AFB
Andersen AFB is situated on the northern tip of Guam in a key strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region. One of the base’s most important functions is to support deployments of USAF strategic bombers, such as the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress.
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In fact, it is the only USAF base in the Western Pacific capable of supporting heavy strategic bomber operations, underpinning its vital importance. As noted by Allvin,
“Guam is not only a strategic outpost in the Western Pacific – it is a piece of our homeland. The Airmen stationed here are critical to maintaining deterrence and stability in the region.”