 In May 1968 he again was assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, this time as director of operations of the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing, and in June 1969 became commander.In July 1970 General Blesse became commander of the 831st Air Division at George Air Force Base, California, and then was selected for another tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam as assistant director of operations for Seventh Air Force, Tan Son Nhut Air Base.Blesse then became Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations followed by Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base, where he served from July 1971 to November 1973.