The command is responsible for Air Force activities covering the Pacific region, serving at 12 major locations, primarily in Hawaii, Alaska, South Korea, Japan and Guam.

Santarelli entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 1966 after graduating from the University of Notre Dame.

August 1968 - July 1969, F-4 pilot systems operator, 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand 4.

May 1970 - April 1971, F-4 aircraft commander, 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand 6.

April 1971- September 1972, F-4 aircraft commander and instructor pilot, 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. 7.