Is it a conspiracy theory? The head of the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific has suggested that a recent Russian-Chinese air patrol may be an attempt to divide regional partners. The event resulted in warning shots fired by intercepting South Korean jets.
Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, currently the head of Pacific Air Forces, has been tapped to lead U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, commonly referred to as NORAD.
Just days after North Korea tested its most powerful missile yet, Hawaii is dusting off a relic not heard on the islands since the end of the Cold War.
Four sources with knowledge of the discussions said U.S. Air Force Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, the current commander of Pacific Air Forces, is the leading candidate for the spot. His confirmation would mark the first time in history the PACOM spot has not been filled by the Navy.
By David B. Larter, Aaron Mehta and Valerie Insinna