The Air Force already is the one most often called for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and mobility airlift operations in Africa, but there could be an increased demand for airpower in the future, said Gen. Frank Gorenc, commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, at ASC15 on Sept. 16. “Africa has a lot of challenges that will need to be addressed? that could eventually evolve into a national security problem for us,” he said. NATO allies are concerned about migration from the continent, in addition to issues with groups such as Boko Haram, which leads US Africa Command to ask for more US Air Force assets on the continent. In addition, USAF also participates in humanitarian response missions, such as airlift support for nongovernmental agencies following the Ebola outbreak last year. USAFE has demonstrated its capability to respond to these situations, but the move of terrorist groups into power vacuums on the continent could mean the Air Force will be in need beyond just humanitarian responses, Gorenc said.
Future SOUTHCOM Boss Sees Need for More Resources
Jan. 15, 2026
The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy released in November made it clear that the Western Hemisphere is the new priority theater for the Pentagon. To put that into action, U.S. Southern Command needs to grow, the Marine Corps general nominated to lead SOUTHCOM told lawmakers.
