U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye has announced the appointment of retired Air Force Col. Walter Kaneakua as his new Honolulu-based executive assistant for Military Affairs.

Kaneakua, an Air Force command pilot, retired after 27 years of active-duty service with both the U.S. Air Force and the Hawaii Air National Guard, a news release from Inouye's office said. He commanded the 9th Airborne Command and Control Squadron and the start-up 203rd Air Refueling KC-135 Squadron. His last assignment was as vice wing commander for the 154th Wing at Hickam Air Force Base. Most recently, Kaneakua flew as a captain for Aloha Airlines.

Kaneakua replaces retired Army Major General Alexis Lum, who served as the senator's executive assistant for Military Affairs from 1991 to 2007, when he retired to spend more time with his family. Prior to his service with Inouye, Lum served as the adjutant general for the state of Hawai'i. He retired from that position in 1991 with more than 43 years of service to the U.S. Army and the Hawaii National Guard, the news release said.

Inouye said in a written statement, "Alex Lum is a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. He is a decorated warrior. He represented me well with the military and veterans throughout Hawai'i. He was an advocate of service members and their families. Alex provided me with wise counsel and guidance on matters of importance to the military, veterans and civilian communities. I am happy that he is relaxing and spending more time with his lovely wife, Momi, and his family."