Evan Pettus
U.S. Air Force general officer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Evan Lamar Pettus[1] (born c. 1972) is a United States Air Force lieutenant general who has served as the military deputy commander of the United States Southern Command since 2024. He was the acting commander of the Southern Command from 2025 to 2026. He previously served as the commander of the Twelfth Air Force[2] and as the vice commander of the United States Air Force Warfare Center.[3]
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Evan Pettus | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2024 | |
| Born | c. 1972 (age 53–54) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Service years | 1994–present |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands | Twelfth Air Force 378th Air Expeditionary Wing Air Command and Staff College 48th Fighter Wing 48th Fighter Wing 389th Fighter Squadron |
| Conflicts | |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) |
| Alma mater | United States Air Force Academy (BS) Air Force Institute of Technology (MS) Air War College (MSS) |
Biography
Pettus earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994 and graduated from Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training at Sheppard AFB and from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School.[3]
He was first stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom as an F-15E pilot.[3] His service record includes combat missions in operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve.[3]
In July 2024, Pettus was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as deputy commander of the United States Southern Command.[4][5]
On 12 December 2025, Pettus became the acting commander of U.S. Southern Command when Admiral Alvin Holsey relinquished command early.[6] He was the acting commander until 5 February 2026, when General Francis Donovan was confirmed.[7]
Dates of promotion
| Rank | Branch | Date[3] |
|---|---|---|
 Second lieutenant | Air Force | 1 June 1994 |
 First lieutenant | 1 June 1996 | |
 Captain | 1 June 1998 | |
 Major | 1 July 2004 | |
 Lieutenant colonel | 1 June 2008 | |
 Colonel | 1 October 2013 | |
 Brigadier general | 31 July 2019 | |
 Major general | 3 July 2022 | |
 Lieutenant general | 4 November 2024 | |
