MUÑIZ AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Puerto Rico -- The Puerto Rico Air National Guard announced the promotion of Col. Steve L. Campbell to brigadier general and his appointment as chief of staff-air during a ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base on Feb. 6, 2026.
Brig. Gen. Humberto Pabón Jr., PRANG commander, presided over the promotion and cited Campbell’s service, national-level leadership and contributions to Puerto Rico’s enduring mission and resilience.
“General Campbell brings an exceptional blend of operational expertise, national-level experience and a deep connection to the people of Puerto Rico,” Pabón said. “His leadership will strengthen our team, reinforce our partnership with First Air Force and NORAD [North American Aerospace Defense Command] and position the PRANG for a future defined by readiness, resilience and relevance across the Western Hemisphere and beyond.”
Brig. Gen. (PR) Carlos J. Rivera Román, the adjutant general of Puerto Rico, welcomed Campbell to the Puerto Rico National Guard leadership team.
“Seeing the number of people who flew here to support you and hearing your history and accomplishments, I look forward to working with you,” Rivera said.
Campbell thanked attendees and said, “It feels good to be back home. This is where it all started for me as a ‘two-striper,’ and I am grateful for the opportunity. I share in general Pabón’s vision to continue to build trust and respect within the PRANG and to excel as an organization to stay relevant in the fight.”
Campbell most recently served as commander of the 601st Air Operations Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, where he led more than 400 personnel in the execution of Operation Noble Eagle. Under his leadership, the center directed tactical control of the Continental U.S. NORAD Region, overseeing two air defense sectors, 23 alert sites and nearly 400 radar systems responsible for safeguarding the skies over 330 million Americans.
Before leading the 601st, Campbell served as chief of staff for First Air Force providing executive leadership across Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space. In that role, he worked to ensure unity of effort among wings, groups, squadrons and detachments nationwide.
Campbell’s connection to Puerto Rico and the PRANG spans decades. From January 2021 to November 2022, he served as commander of the 156th Operations Group, championing initiatives including fighter-presence advocacy, arresting-gear infrastructure at Luis Muñoz Marín Airport and strategic development efforts that contributed to the establishment of the PRANG’s Contingency Response Group, Combat Communications Squadron and Host Nation Rider Program.
He was among the first Airmen on the ground in response to Hurricane Maria in 2017, supporting lifesaving operations during one of the most challenging periods in Puerto Rico’s history. His earlier service includes multiple temporary duty assignments to the island, beginning as an airman first class supporting Coronet Oak, and later as a crew chief, pilot, group commander and senior staff officer. He also served on the safety board for the Rican 68 investigation, honoring the fallen by ensuring lessons learned strengthened future operations.
Pabón also recognized the role of Campbell’s family. “We extend our thanks to Tiffany, Leanna, Tyson and Cammie for their unwavering support and the sacrifices that make service possible. The PRANG is stronger because of the love and stability that family provides behind the scenes,” he said.
As chief of staff-air, Campbell will serve as the senior adviser to the PRANG commander on Air Force matters, guiding strategic planning, operational readiness and organizational development across the Puerto Rico Air National Guard.