On Nov. 30, Gen. Paul Hester relinquished command of Pacific Air Forces to Gen. Howie Chandler. Hester is to formally retire from the Air Force after some 36 years of service on Jan. 1, 2008. Chandler is a 1974 Air Force Academy graduate and has served in a number of operations, staff, and command positions, most recently as USAF’s deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements. He has flown F-15 and F-16 aircraft.
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
