Pacific Air Forces’ enlisted corps has nominated its commander, Gen. Gary North, for induction in the command’s Order of the Sword. It is the highest honor that the enlisted corps may bestow. CMSgt. Brooke McLean, PACAF’s command chief, notified North of his nomination on April 4 at PACAF headquarters at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, according to the command’s website. North’s induction ceremony is scheduled for August 26th at the installation. North has been PACAF’s boss since August 2009 and an airman since 1976.
With a shrinking fleet and growing operational demand, Air Force Special Operations Command sees the new OA-1K combat scout aircraft as key to a “new era,” officials say.