Pacific Air Forces is hosting more than 120 of the U.S. Air Force’s top planners, logisticians and operators for an inaugural PACAF Warfighter Symposium May 23-27 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

This five-day symposium includes experts from across the Air Force as well as sister-service partners and joint commands to refine recently developed USAF concepts to address challenges in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

“To address the complexity and scope of the challenges we face in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, we’ve assembled some of the best minds in the military -- force providers and operational experts who understand every aspect of every weapon system and logistics function,” said. Brig. Gen. Gregory Guillot, PACAF Director of Strategy, Plans and Programs. “The end result will be an improved ability to generate and implement innovative, adaptive and decisive joint operational plans.”

During the symposium, attendees from every component are developing recommendations for how the force can best implement new strategic and operational concepts from the wing to the combatant command level to fully harness the adaptability and flexibility of airpower.

The group is also formulating new initiatives to enhance security cooperation through greater synchronization and operational integration with allies and partners in the region.

“I have no doubt the mind-power we’ve brought together for the Warfighter Symposium will ensure PACAF can respond to challenges in the region in order to advance regional stability and security,” said Lt. Gen. Russell Handy, Pacific Air Forces commander.

“The Indo-Asia-Pacific region is home to five nuclear-capable countries and a changing strategic landscape and operational environment,” Handy said. “Symposiums such as this provide consistent assessment and adjustment of PACAF's strategic focus to ensure effective employment of airpower across the full spectrum of ongoing and contingency operations.”

For more information, contact the Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs Office at 808-448-3209 or pacaf.paops@us.af.mil.