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.

[1] On December 13, 2018, Maxar Technologies announced that "the Maxar Board of Directors has elected retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Howell M. Estes III as Chair, effective January 1, 2019.

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.

During the Gulf War he served as deputy chief of staff for operations, Strategic Air Command.