JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --   As a result of the US government shutdown and the corresponding fiscal constraints, the 2013 Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium has been postponed to a later date. The symposium, hosted by Gen Hawk Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces Commander, on behalf of Gen Mark Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff, would have brought together Air Chiefs and commanders from 17 different Asia-Pacific countries to discuss defense, security and international issues throughout the region. In addition to visits and discussions at PACAF, the symposium was scheduled to visit three continental US Air Force bases as well as Washington DC, where they would have met with Gen Welsh. The goal of the symposium is to encourage increased cooperation, interoperability and friendship while also helping promote peace and stability in the Pacific.

"This is incredibly important to both us and our Asia-Pacific partners," said Gen Hawk Carlisle. "We will continue to focus on providing support, friendship, security and stability to the region, even as we face challenges like this."

The countries scheduled to attend in 2013 included Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United States. The symposium is currently planned to be rescheduled in 2014.