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DATE: July 27, 2026 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am ET

Few regions are as strategically significant as the Pacific. The persistent challenges posed by adversaries like China and North Korea, the critical importance of alliances and partnerships, and the sheer scale of projecting airpower across this expansive theater make it one of the most complex and consequential areas of responsibility in the world today. Gen. Schneider is responsible for Air Force activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports more than 46,000 Airmen serving principally in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam. Join us as Gen. Schneider provides an update on airpower and the Pacific theater.

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Speakers

Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula USAF (Ret.)Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Gen. Kevin B. SchneiderCommander, Pacific Air Forces; Air Component Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

Media Coverage

• Air Force’s Massive REFORPAC Exercise Will Add More Allies, Joint Forces in 2027
  Air & Space Forces Magazine
• After Valiant Shield exercise, PACAF commander says he’s ‘impressed’ with Australia’s Ghost Bat drone program
  DefenseScoop
• Air Force may cut back on Pacific drills to preserve near-term ‘readiness’
  Stars & Stripes
• Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat Flies Wingtip-to-Wingtip with F-15EX — and America’s Pacific Boss Is Mighty Impressed
  Eurasian Times
• PACAF looks to reduce exercise participation to preserve ‘readiness’: Commander
  Breaking Defense
• Better Command And Control of Air Defenses Needed: USAF Pacific Boss
  Aviation Week