The opening ceremony of the Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium 2026, held at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 12, commenced the latest gathering of air chiefs from more than 20 countries.
The leaders are meeting this week to focus on integrating air power and strengthening partnerships for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
PACAF commander and host of PACS 26, U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, noted the important role of the gathered air force leaders.
"The United States is steadfast in its commitment to this region where all nations can prosper free from coercion," said Schneider. "Through multilateral engagements like this, multinational exercises, or partner exchanges, PACAF is committed to working alongside this powerful network of allies and partners, to not only refine and sustain airpower but strengthen our regional security."
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe were also in attendance.
"It's great to join this important gathering of likeminded nations," said Wilsbach. "The Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium continues to be about readiness and interoperability. By better integrating our capabilities with our allies and partners, we send a clear signal of our collective resolve to deter any adversary."
Joining their assembled air chiefs, senior enlisted leaders from around the world are also gathering to share lessons and deepen coordination to strengthen the enlisted corps.
"It's about speaking a common language and doing hard things together," said Wolfe. "When our leaders work shoulder-to-shoulder with our international counterparts to solve problems and have real conversations, we're not just building relationships-we're building the operational strength that ensures security in the region."
Participating allies and partners consist of dozens of military leaders from not only the Indo-Pacific, but also Europe and the Americas. By integrating their unique capabilities, the participating nations aim to strengthen regional stability and address shared responsibilities.
Those shared responsibilities were referenced by the Dean of this year's Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, chief of the Royal Australian Air Force.
"As air chiefs, our responsibility is to translate strategic intent into operational reality," said Chappell. "This week is about ensuring continued integration with each other and strengthening our partnerships so we can respond seamlessly to deliver collective deterrence."
The symposium will include panels, meetings, and multilateral engagements covering a variety of topics including the importance of dispersed airpower, emerging technology, and integrated air and missile defense.
