Mission: Enable combat-ready forces for rapid global employment; and receive, command and control, and employ joint air component assets to meet U.S. strategic objectives in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility, across the full spectrum of operations.

Description: Responsible for the combat readiness of seven active-duty wings and one direct reporting unit. These subordinate commands operate more than 360 aircraft with more than 20,300 uniformed and civilian Airmen. The command is also responsible for the operational readiness of 17 12th Air Force-gained wings and other units of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. As the air and space component to U.S. Southern Command, Air Forces Southern conduct security cooperation and provide air, space and cyberspace capabilities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Leadership

Commander: Lt. Gen. Mark Kelly

Vice commander: Col. Jay Bickley