The Air Force has decided to move Maj. Gen. William Holland from his No. 2 slot at 9th Air Force/Air Forces Central to lead the now temporarily separate 9th Air Force. In May, USAF announced plans to temporarily split 9th AF from AFCENT, sending a few folks forward to establish an AFCENT headquarters closer to the action and removed from the day-to-day management chores of running a number air force. Lt. Gen. Gary North, who has led 9th AF/AFCENT since February 2006, has been nominated now to lead Pacific Air Forces. The Senate has confirmed Maj. Gen. Gilmary Hostage III for a third star and to replace North as AFCENT commander.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.