Brief History of PACAF & Timeline of Events

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) traces its roots to the activation of Far East Air Forces (FEAF), on August 3, 1944, at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia commanded by Lt Gen George Kenney. FEAF was subordinate to the U.S. Army Forces Far East and served as the headquarters of Allied Air Forces Southwest Pacific Area. By mid-1945, three numbered air forces—5th, 7th, and 13th—were supporting operations in the Pacific. At that time, the Army Air Forces in the Pacific became part of the largest and most powerful military organization ever fielded by any country in the world.

After World II, FEAF and 5th Air Force remained in Japan, while 7th Air Force operated from Hawaii, and 13th Air Force from the Philippines. In the post-war years, FEAF was designated the theater air force for the Far East Command. All air forces in the Far East and Southwest Pacific were placed under one Air Force commander for the first time.

*Click for more PACAF history.

75th Anniversary Timeline Graphic

75th Anniversary Video

U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307 boat crew and Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Honolulu conduct seaward security for the Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Ville de Québec during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25
Pacific Air Forces
Video by Capt. Katherine Lee
July 20, 2025 | 0:14
U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307 boat crew and Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Honolulu conduct seaward security for the Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Ville de Québec during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in Northern Territory, Australia, July 20, 2025.Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, that advances a safe and secure Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Katherine Lee) More
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U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307 boat crew and Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Honolulu conduct seaward security for the Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Ville de Québec during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25
U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307 boat crew and Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Honolulu conduct seaward security for the Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Ville de Québec during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25
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Past Commanders

Key Events

Aug. 3, 1944: Far East Air Forces activates in Brisbane, Australia

July 27, 1953: Korean Armistice signed, Panmunjom, Korea

July 1, 1957: Far East Air Forces re-designates as Pacific Air Forces, moved to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii

April 30, 1975: U.S. begins Saigon, Vietnam evacuation, Operation NEWLIFE

June 15, 1991: Mount Pinatubo erupts causing Clark Air Base, Philippines evacuation, Operation FIERY VIGIL

March 11, 2011: Massive earthquake and tsunami strike Japan, Operation TOMODACHI

Sep. 28, 2012: 13th Air Force inactivated, personnel combined with PACAF staff, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii

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