Daily Archives: 5 February 2026

(US Air Force) Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Jan. 24 to kick off his tour of the Pacific Air Force’s area of responsibility and meet with Airmen and Guardians throughout the region.

Lohmeier’s visit was an in-depth immersion to how the Department of the Air Force enhances regional stability by working in concert across all warfighting domains.

The visit is focused on seeing department priorities of modernization, readiness and people in action across the Pacific. Additionally, it highlights the United States’ ongoing commitment to its allies and partners.

“I am thrilled to engage with our personnel here in the Indo-Pacific,” Lohmeier said. “

These discussions inform how to better resource and equip our warfighters to accomplish their critical mission alongside our allies and partners. The motivation, sacrifice, and service I see here are a tangible example of our commitment to maintaining a strong deterrent presence in the Indo-Pacific.”

Gen. Kevin Schneider, PACAF commander, said Airmen in the region are forging peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific by providing a credible deterrent force that makes it clear to any adversary that aggression will fail.

“Our strength is rooted in the professionalism and readiness of our Airmen alongside the power of the joint force and integration with allies and partners,” he said.

“Our team is finding ways where we continuously improve our positions, our capabilities, and our ability to adapt ahead of what a potential adversary is doing. We are achieving that by staying focused on modernization and readiness and having a deep commitment to our greatest asset — our warfighters. They are at the center of everything we do.”

While in Hawaii, the under secretary’s visit will include meetings with leadership from Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Space Forces – Indo-Pacific, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command where he will receive a strategic overview of joint operations in the region.

He will meet with the Airmen and Guardians executing the mission while highlighting the unique and impactful aspects of the command, its installations and the surrounding communities. He is also scheduled to stop in the South Korea and Japan during his time in the region.

(US Air Force) Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier visited Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 30, 2026, marking his second stop as a part of his tour of the Indo-Pacific bases.

The visit reinforced the Department of the Air Force’s focus on readiness across the force and its continued investment in the people, programs, and culture that enable Airmen and Guardians to execute the mission.

“The level of detail and discipline that goes into planning and executing the mission here is impressive,” said Lohmeier. “Being forward-postured in this region places Osan at the heart of deterrence, and their readiness is critical to protecting our nation and preventing conflict.”

During his visit, Lohmeier engaged with Airmen and Guardians alongside senior leaders from Seventh Air Force, the 51st Fighter Wing and Space Forces Korea, gaining firsthand insight into how Osan sustains combat power day to day. His engagements included tours of the 51st Medical Group, the base fitness center, and Super Squadron operations, where he observed how individual readiness supports sustained mission execution.

The tours further highlighted Osan’s ability to adapt and grow through initiatives such as the integration of Super Squadrons and tour normalization, reflecting how readiness is built over time through people, stability and culture.

“Osan’s mission demands constant readiness, and that starts with taking care of our Airmen and giving them the tools they need to succeed,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Ley, 51st Fighter Wing commander. “Everything we do, from the Super Squadron test to tour normalization, is to ensure that our Airmen and units are ready to respond quickly and decisively.”

Throughout his tour, Lohmeier emphasized that readiness is a daily commitment shaped by leadership and mindset. His visit to Osan showcased how disciplined teams, engaged leaders and professional Airmen translate that commitment into sustained combat capability.

“Readiness isn’t something you turn on in a crisis, it’s built every day through leadership, feedback and accountability,” stated Lohmeier.

“Hearing directly from Airmen and Guardians about what’s working and what needs improvement helps us make real changes, strengthening the force and ensuring we’re prepared to respond when called.”