Havasu Veterans Spotlight: Retired Air Force Major General Robert Kane’s Civilian Contributions

Retired Maj. Gen. Robert Kane has taken on a new challenge as the airport manager of Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport. Appointed on November 9, 2023, he brings decades of military experience to this civilian role.

Kane draws parallels between his military background and his current responsibilities, noting that the operational dynamics of airports share similarities with military airbases. “Even though I had never managed a civilian airport, the similarities between the Defense Department, the FAA, and the way we do aviation are very similar,” he stated.

A native of Pequannock Township, New Jersey, Kane’s military journey began in 1979 through the ROTC program at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. His pilot training that commenced in 1980 led to a commission as a second lieutenant.

Over the next 33 years, Kane’s career took him around the globe, with his family living in diverse locations such as Turkey and South Korea. He remembers meeting his wife, Katy, during his initial training phase, where she was pursuing a nursing degree.

Early in his career, Kane served as an instructor pilot before progressing to larger aircraft like the C-141 in Charleston, South Carolina. His first overseas assignment in Turkey marked the beginning of extensive global travel for his family.

As his career progressed, Kane took on significant roles, including commander of the 1st Airlift Squadron, which handled transportation for high-ranking officials. He later focused on modernizing military aircraft operations, a role that he feels directly parallels his current responsibilities at the airport.

Kane reflected on a significant reassignment to South Korea during his later career, where the family enjoyed the flexibility to explore neighboring countries. He achieved the rank of colonel during this time, underscoring that family experiences enriched his military tenure.

Subsequent stateside assignments coincided with the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, during which he guided airmen in response planning. Later deployments brought him to Ramstein Air Base in Germany and then to Iraq, where he led efforts to rebuild the Iraqi Air Force.

Post-retirement, Kane and his family lived in Washington, D.C., where he served as the COO for the National Defense University, managing various departments including financial and human resources. Despite the challenges of finding a civilian role, he eventually secured his position in Havasu after a lengthy search.

“They’ve been more supportive than I could have hoped for as a city,” Kane expressed. He emphasized the sense of camaraderie he feels in his new role, stating, “Professionally and personally, it’s exactly what I had hoped that I would get to do. I’m honored to serve again.”