U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, who took command of Pacific Air Forces Feb. 9, shared his thoughts during a senior-leader panel at the Air and Space Force Association Warfighter Symposium in Aurora, Colorado, Feb. 13. 

“As a nation, I think there has to be recognition of the severity of the situation that we're in – the potential for conflict and the deterrence required to prevent that,” Schneider said. “We've been able to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific for over 80 years. The President, our military, and our allies and partners have underwritten prosperity for all our benefit.”

The panel, titled "Rising Intensity of Competition and Conflict," brought together commanders from four major commands — PACAF, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and Air Mobility Command. The four generals, with more than 4,000 people in attendance, discussed imperative strategies to reinforce security and protect U.S. interests around the globe. 

“This is not a China versus the United States challenge or Russia versus the United States or North Korea versus the United States,” Schneider said. “The network of us, alongside our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, is incredibly capable,” Schneider explained. “I’m highly encouraged that we are all making progress together. It’s an absolute imperative that we carry the momentum in the years ahead.”

Gen. Schneider’s priorities provide a clear indication of the direction he intends to lead the command, aligning closely with the broader objectives of the National Defense Strategy.

“Make no mistake, we are in a fight right now,” Schneider said. “You can do a quick [internet] search to find many malign activities against the United States as well as our allies and partners around the region. Our adversaries are causing great volatility. So we must continue to evolve and maintain the overmatch of our forces.”