Over the past two years leading our 45,000 Pacific Air Forces airmen, I've had many opportunities to reflect on the changes since my first assignment in the Pacific as a junior officer and F-15 pilot. America's security environment has changed since the 1980s. But one constant over my 35-year career, including three tours in Hawai'i, is the importance of these Islands and your continuing contribution to our nation's security.

Hawai'i truly remains the crossroads of the Pacific. It is the strategic place from which the United States Air Force can extend its global reach to the Asia-Pacific region. The uniqueness of its culture, the diversity and the richness of its people also make Hawai'i a favored meeting place for our allies and partners. Whether it is visiting dignitaries such as the emperor and empress of Japan or Chinese military leaders, we have the opportunity to build relationships and cultivate mutual understanding. These relationships are crucial as we seek to maintain a positive and productive environment in the region. These visitors also have the opportunity to see the greatest military in the world — airmen, soldiers, sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, with the finest training, equipment and spirit who are committed to preserving security and stability in the Pacific.

While we seek security and stability, we must be ready to meet all contingencies. Here, too, Hawai'i will continue to play a crucial role. The F-22 Raptor, the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, will be based here in Hawai'i. Flown by the men and women of the Hawai'i Air National Guard and active-duty airmen, these Raptors will protect Hawai'i and carry the state flag to wherever in the world our presence is needed.

C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft are forward-based here and can reach anywhere in the Pacific within hours.

Our military presence will also have significant economic impact in the Islands as approximately $47 million from the president's stimulus package will be spent on Air Force projects in Hawai'i this year.

The support of Hawai'i's elected leaders has been critical to our national security efforts. We are fortunate to have leaders in Hawai'i who understand the strategic importance the Islands continue to play in the Pacific and the world. The same can be said of our community and civic leaders, including the Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Committee and the counsel of wise community leaders who comprise the Air Force Civic Advisory Council. Our national interests are well served by the foresight and patriotism of these men and women.

Each day I look at the bullet holes that scar the walls outside my office and recall lessons learned from 7 December, 1941. The reminders of war are still very much evident as I traveled throughout the Pacific over the past two years — on Palau, Saipan and Iwo Jima, to name a few. I have witnessed the efforts of our airmen and other service members recovering the remains of American servicemen missing in Vietnam. And most recently, I joined hundreds of others at the memorial service for 1st Lt. Roslyn Schulte, a promising young PACAF officer who selflessly served and was our most recent loss in Afghanistan.

These are not sentimental memories, but enduring reminders of the ultimate sacrifice those from Hawai'i and the rest of our nation are making today. While we continue to safeguard security and stability, the Pacific remains immensely important and Hawai'i is at the heart of that effort. As Eva-Marie and I depart for Washington this month, I thank the people of Hawai'i for your unwavering support of our airmen and for helping America maintain a strong defense in the Pacific and beyond.

Gen. Howie Chandler, commander of Pacific Air Forces, departs Aug. 19 to become the vice chief of staff of the Air Force at the Pentagon. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.