Evan Lamar Pettus (born ) 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 and as the vice commander of the United States Air Force Warfare Center.
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.
He was first stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom as an F-15E pilot. His service record includes combat missions in operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
In July 2024, Pettus was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as deputy commander of the United States Southern Command.
On 12 December 2025, Pettus became the acting commander of U.S. Southern Command when Admiral Alvin Holsey relinquished command early. He was the acting commander until 5 February 2026, when General Francis Donovan was confirmed.
Dates of promotion
+ Rank Branch Date Second lieutenant Air Force 1 June 1994 First lieutenant1 June 1996 Captain1 June 1998 Major1 July 2004 Lieutenant colonel1 June 2008 Colonel1 October 2013 Brigadier general31 July 2019 Major general3 July 2022 Lieutenant general 4 November 2024
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