Future Total Force in step with PACAF mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Rosine
  • Air Force Print News
SAN ANTONIO --  As the Future Total Force initiative integrates with Air Force operations in the Pacific, the transition is looking good, said the Pacific Air Forces commander.

“The transformational pieces of our capabilities are clearly in the form of long-range bombers, the C-17 (Globemaster III), F/A-22 (Raptor) and Global Hawk to be stationed in the Pacific,” said Gen. Paul V. Hester, who is also the air component commander for U.S. Pacific Command.

The Air Force plan to realign missions and organizations is outlined in the Future Total Force concept. The concept’s aim is to strengthen the Air Force by creating synergy among active-duty, Guard and Reserve forces for more capable and efficient airpower.

The general called this transformation “forward thinking” and emphasized the important role the C-17 would have throughout the theater once the transformation is complete at the end of this decade.

As part of the transition in the Pacific, eight C-17s are due to start arriving at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, in January. Following that move, eight more C-17s will arrive at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, in January 2007.

At Hickam, the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing will be in partnership with the 15th Airlift Wing throughout the transition. The experienced guardsmen from the 154th, who often operate both military and commercial aircraft, will train and fly with their active-duty counterparts. Aircraft maintenance will also be a combined effort, using a wealth of knowledge and skills found within a Guard cadre of seasoned maintainers.

At Elmendorf, the Air Force Reserve will be partnered with the active-duty 3rd Wing during the C-17 transition. Airmen from each service component will train and fly together.

Future Total Force initiatives have already been succeeding at other Air Force installations. Active-duty maintainers from Shaw AFB, S.C., are currently being trained by the experienced Airmen of the Vermont Air National Guard

General Hester said the timing of the Future Total Force initiative in PACAF is in step with the direction of today’s military.

“As we shape and downsize our services to match our Future Total Force -- which means fewer airplanes -- we will focus on the capabilities needed to produce the desired combat effects for our combatant commander,” he said.