Lt. Gen. North takes command of CENTAF, 9th AF Published April 12, 2006 By Capt. Jonathan Riley 9th Air Force Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The former U.S. Pacific Command director for operations from Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, took command of 9th Air Force and U.S. Central Command Air Forces during a ceremony Feb. 16 in Hangar 1614. Lt. Gen. Gary L. North succeeded Lt. Gen. Walter E. Buchanan III, who will retire April 1 from the Air Force. Gen. North was previously assigned at Shaw in the early 1980s and then again as an F-16 squadron commander in the early 1990s. "The 9th and CENTAF team, Shaw Air Force Base and Sumter community make an unbeatable combination. Being assigned to 9th Air Force is like coming home; it's wonderful to be back as a member of the 9th Air Force-CENTAF team," Gen. North said. After taking command, he also shared his thoughts as he prepared to travel into the U.S. Central Command area of operations. "I am looking forward to quickly getting to the field and gaining the eyes-on perspective from the commanders and Airmen that are engaged throughout the region, and as well as that of our commanders here in 9th Air Force," Gen. North said. "Our great Airmen are making a huge difference every day in Iraq and Afghanistan and with our partner nations throughout the region," Gen. North said. "It's an honor to be a member of this great Air Force team and to work in the joint and coalition Central Command environment alongside our soldiers, sailors, Airmen, Marines and coastguardsmen." Gen. North is a command pilot with more than 4,100 flying hours in the F-4, F-15 and F-16. He also and flew in combat operations in Operation Desert Storm with the (then) 363rd Fighter Wing deployed from Shaw.