Commander of U.S. Pacific Air Forces arrives in Sri Lanka

General Kevin Schneider, Commander of U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), arrived in Sri Lanka today to begin a three-day visit that reflects the growing strength of the U.S.-Sri Lanka defense partnership. As the PACAF Commander, General Schneider oversees all U.S. Air Force personnel and assets in the theater. 

During his visit from June 21 to 24, General Schneider will meet with senior Sri Lankan government and defense leaders, including leadership from the Ministry of Defense and the Sri Lanka Air Force. Their discussions will focus on expanded cooperation across air and maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity, disaster response, and regional security.   

General Schneider’s visit is the latest milestone in an expanding bilateral relationship built on joint exercises, military exchanges, and consistent senior-level dialogue. The United States recognizes Sri Lanka as an essential partner in the collective effort to preserve peace, security, and prosperity across the region.  

PACAF is responsible for Air Force activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports more than 46,000 Airmen serving principally in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska and Guam. 

Gen. Schneider earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988. He is a graduate of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program and the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. He has commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels to include a combat wing in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

His staff assignments include tours on the Joint Staff, Air Staff, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, U.S. Pacific Command, and Pacific Air Forces. The general is a command pilot with 4,000 flight hours in the F-16, F-15E, T-38C, UH-1N and F-22A to include 530 combat flight hours.