EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 will put a spotlight on U.S. Pacific Air Forces during this year’s fly-in, set for July 20 through 26 at Wittman Regional Airport. Organizers say the command will have a visible presence throughout the week as part of the event’s featured service component.” As we aim to highlight a specific Air Force command every year at Oshkosh, the incredible work of Pacific Air Forces’ mission is more critical than ever, and its strategic location makes it the center of gravity for security in the Indo-Pacific,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This command will add a distinct highlight to the activities at AirVenture 2026, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.”
Pacific Air Forces, known as PACAF, is headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii and is led by Gen. Kevin B. Schneider. The command operates across a region that covers half the globe, overseeing joint exercises with allied nations, bomber task force missions, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. “It’s an honor to share the story of Pacific Air Forces with the Oshkosh community. In the Indo-Pacific, a region vital to global stability, PACAF stands as a steadfast and lethal force, ready to defend the United States and our allies,” Gen. Schneider said. “Our strength lies not only in our advanced aircraft and skilled Airmen but also in our deep and abiding partnerships. We are committed to our Homeland Defense and deterrence,’ working seamlessly with our joint force and international partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
“We are focused on readiness, innovation, and the lethality of our force to deter aggression, and are excited to share that legacy and commitment with Oshkosh. Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the advanced capabilities and professionalism that our Airmen bring. It is this readiness and cutting-edge airpower that allows us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners, reinforcing our shared commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.” Pacific Air Forces is one of the U.S. Air Force’s major commands and acts as the air arm of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Its area covers 36 nations and stretches across more than 100 million square miles. With more than eight decades of history behind it, the command is tasked with keeping airpower ready across the region. “The display of airpower scheduled for this summer will be a powerful showcase of the professionalism, lethality, and readiness of the aviators, maintainers and support staff who secure our nation at home and abroad,” Schneider said.
As part of the AirVenture presence, PACAF plans to commemorate 20 years of “Global Reach in the Pacific” with a C-17 Globemaster III static display from the Hawaii Air National Guard. The aircraft represents cooperation between the 15th Airlift Wing and the 154th Wing. The C-17 first arrived in Hawaii in 2006, and 2026 marks 20 years since that milestone. Its arrival changed how airlift missions were handled in the state and across the Indo-Pacific. Two decades later, the aircraft is still flying mobility missions, responding to humanitarian needs, and supporting joint operations that stretch across 14 time zones. The C-17, along with other participating aircraft, is slated to be parked in the Boeing Plaza showcase area during AirVenture. Additional aircraft announcements and programming details will be released as they are finalized. For more information and to support the EAA, click on this link: www.eaa.org/eaa.
