Air Force Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Leaf today assumes duties as the 15th deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Command at Camp Smith.

The command, which includes about 300,000 military personnel, has responsibility for monitoring more than half the earth's surface, 43 countries, and the world's six largest armed forces. Its headquarters staff has 640 people.

Leaf previously was vice commander of the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

"Lt. Gen. Leaf's experience and proven leadership skills mark him as an outstanding choice for deputy commander. He's a welcome addition to the Pacific Command team," said Adm. William J. Fallon, commander.

The native of Shawano, Wis., is a command pilot with more than 3,600 flying hours and participation in Operations Allied Force, Joint Forge and Northern and Southern Watch combat missions.

Leaf has been stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, at Osan Air Base and Yongsan in South Korea, and Kadena Air Base in Japan.

Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com.