Howell M. Estes III

Howell M. Estes III
General Howell M. Estes III
Born	(1941-12-16) December 16, 1941 (age 75) San Antonio, Texas
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Rank	General
Commands held	North American Aerospace Defense Command United States Space Command Air Force Space Command 7th Air Force
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Air Medal (11)
Relations	Howell M. Estes, Jr. (father)

General Howell M. Estes III (born December 16, 1941) served as commander in chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command (CINCNORAD), United States Space Command (USCINCSPACE), and commander, Air Force Space Command (COMAFSPC), headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. As commander, the general was responsible for the air sovereignty of the United States and Canada, providing tactical warning and attack assessment, directing space control and support operations, directing satellite control, warning, space launch and ballistic missile operations missions.

General Estes graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1965. He has commanded both operational and maintenance squadrons, the Air Force's only stealth fighter unit, an air division and numbered air force. Prior to his current position, he served as director for operations (J-3), the Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. He also co-authored "Strategic and Doctrinal Implications of Deep Attack," the concept of operations for the Defense of Central Europe. A command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours, he flew 169 combat missions as an F-4 pilot during the Vietnam War. During the Gulf War he served as deputy chief of staff for operations, Strategic Air Command. He retired on October 1, 1998.