Evan Pettus

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 7 November 2024. 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]

Evan Pettus
Official portrait, 2024
Born	c. 1972 (age 52–53) Fayetteville, Arkansas, U.S.[1]
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
Awards	Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (3)

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]