Commanders meet, discuss future path

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kristen Stanley
LIHUE, Hawaii --  Mission relevance for our nation and state was the topic of discussion during the 31st Annual Hawaii Air National Guard Commanders Conference Sept. 3-5, at the Kauai Marriott Resort.

True to its theme, "Ka Ho'okumu 'Ana Ike Ala, Setting the Course," the conference provided a forum for the HIANG leadership to focus on missions and capabilities that increase the Pacific Command's warfighting effectiveness.

"The HIANG commander's conference allows for input from of all of our partners when we're figuring out what's best for the State of Hawaii." said Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee, Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii. "The Hawaii National Guard is not typical of any other National Guard. It is more of a Pacific National Guard. In that we have a readiness responsibility to support more that just the state of Hawaii."

The Conference included a line up of distinguished guest speakers such as: U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Representative Neil Abercrombie, Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander, U.S. PACOM; Gen. Howie Chandler, commander, PACAF; and Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, commander, 13 AF.

Participants from the Pacific Command, Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Air Force, National Guard Bureau, Hawaii State Department of Defense, Guam and Alaska National Guard teamed up with more than 60 Hawaii Air National Guard Airman in the three day long conference.