PRINCE SULTAN AIR BASE, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA -- U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert D. Davis assumed command of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Evan L. Pettus during the first in-person change of command ceremony to occur at PSAB June 10, 2021.
Pettus was the second commander chosen to lead the 378th AEW in its mission to sustain, integrate and defend joint forces on the base, while also building U.S. partnerships in the region. During his time in command, he saw the base expand in size and scope, overseeing several large projects and exercises to increase defense capabilities, hosted numerous joint partner units, and improved the quality of life of all personnel on base.
“It has been an absolute honor to serve as the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander,” Pettus said. “Over the last year, I’ve been privileged to watch the men and women of this wing build something new and train relentlessly to improve our readiness—all while supporting real world operations 24 hours per day, seven days per week, in the midst of a global pandemic. Their dedication and grit is inspirational and humbling. It has also been a privilege to work with and support our joint partners, and I am incredibly grateful for the partnership we’ve experienced with our hosts in the Royal Saudi Air Force.”
Pettus assumed commander during a virtual ceremony in June of 2020, conducted over video teleconference to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. Today’s events mark not only the changing of leadership, but also the successful implementation of several mitigation efforts across base to limit the spread of COVID-19.
After leading the largest bare base operation in U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, Pettus has been assigned as vice commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Air Combat Command, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Pettus relinquished command to Davis, who previously served as the vice director, Operations, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson AFB, CO.
Davis recognized the accomplishments of 378th AEW during his speech at the event and focused on continuing that excellence in the future.
“You have created a highly effective base of operations in the middle of the desert and it’s very impressive,” said Davis. “We’re going to continue to improve and even normalize PSAB as we know it, we’re going to continue to project lethal combat power throughout the region, and we’re going to continue to strengthen our strategic partnerships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other coalition nations.”
Nearly two decades ago, Prince Sultan AB hosted the largest expeditionary operations center in the Air Force and served as the primary location for U.S. air power in the region. Since the activation of the 378th AEW in December 2019, it has again become home to U.S. service members supporting U.S. Central Command priorities.
The 378th AEW will continue to provide theater operational depth and increased defensive support while sustaining regional presence to promote peace through deterrence.