Security – Page 106 – MIL Security Engine-1

July 17, 2025

Defense News in Brief: STARR, Stripes programs reward Airmen, Guardians referrals

Source: United States Airforce

Two programs, Stellar Talent Acquisition Recruiting Referral and Stripes for Referrals, aim to incentivize all Airmen and Guardians to inspire the next generation to serve in the Air Force and Space Force.

WARNER ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) —

Airmen and Guardians are eligible for decorations or promotions through recruiting referrals under the Airman and Guardian Referral Program.

Referral Programs
Two programs, Stellar Talent Acquisition Recruiting Referral and Stripes for Referrals, aim to incentivize all Airmen and Guardians to inspire the next generation to serve in the Air Force and Space Force.

Who is Eligible for Medals
STARR authorizes enlisted service members up to senior master sergeant and officers up to lieutenant colonel to receive up to two Air and Space Achievement Medals for referring three enlisted accessions applicants who depart for basic military training.

Additionally, any enlisted member or officer up to colonel, may receive the Air and Space Commendation Medal for referring five enlisted accessions applicants who depart for BMT.

Who is Eligible for Promotion
Stripes for Referrals allows Airman and Guardian recruits to be promoted up to E-2 by referring two enlisted accessions candidates, or to E-3 by referring four enlisted accessions candidates who join the Delayed Entry Program or Delayed Entry Training.

How To Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Aim High application to qualify for the Air and Space Achievement and Commendation Medals. All users must create an account and input information in the ‘Refer a Friend’ portion of the app to receive credit for valid referrals.

The Department of the Air Force launched a Barriers to Service Cross-Functional Team to examine existing policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the service members needed for the future. The programs are part of this initiative and serve as a cost-effective instrument for referring candidates and increasing enlistments throughout the DAF.

Learn More
More information on the STARR program can be found in DAFMAN 36-2806 and Stripes for Referrals in DAFMAN 36-2032.

To submit referrals via application:
– Download the Aim High Application on your mobile device
– Create an account using your full, first and last name and your .mil email address
– Open the application and look for the three horizontal lines at the bottom right labeled ‘more’
– Select ‘more’ and scroll to the bottom and select ‘Refer a Friend’

To learn more about serving in the Air Force, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve, go to www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter or download the AIM HIGH app to speak directly with a recruiter.

July 16, 2025

Defense News in Brief: USNS Comfort Arrives in Dominican Republic for CP25

Source: United States Navy

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic – The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic for the fourth mission stop of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25), July 15, 2025.

16 July 2025

From Petty Officer 2nd Class Alfredo Marron – U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

“It is an honor and a privilege to leave our footprint in the Dominican Republic,” said Capt. Grace Key, commanding officer, Medical Treatment Facility aboard Comfort. “From the medical site and community relations, to the repairs the Seabees will make to the facilities, we will strengthen our partnership with the people of the Dominican Republic.”

Comfort and Dominican medical professionals will work side-by-side to provide medical care to the community of Puerto Plata. By working together and exchanging knowledge, the Dominican Republic and partners in the region can maintain regional stability as a team and work collectively in the event of natural disasters, medical catastrophes, or regional conflict.

“Throughout Continuing Promise, the clinical staff and personnel have welcomed us with open arms at every port visit,” said Lt. j.g. Althea Caraballo, the Puerto Plata medical site assistant officer in charge. “I am excited to be in Dominican Republic and very inspired by our partnerships and the opportunity to expand our professional and cultural horizons.”

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (July 15, 2025) Sailors assigned to the Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) load medical site cargo aboard Comfort in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic during Continuing Promise 2025, July 15, 2025. Continuing Promise 2025 is the 16th iteration of the U.S. 4th Fleet/U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command-led Mission since 2007, which aims to foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and form new partnerships between host nations, non-federal entities, and international organizations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alfredo Marron)

Medical care during the Dominican Republic mission stop will be provided at Polideportivo, Puerto Plata and will include services in adult medicine, pediatrics, dental, optometry, women’s health, dermatology, cardiology, physical therapy, nutrition, preventative medicine, radiology, and pharmacy.

“This mission is a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation between the United States and the Dominican Republic, particularly in the areas of security and humanitarian assistance,” said Lt. Col. Lowell D. Krusinger, senior defense official/defense attaché, U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo. “We’re proud to see U.S. and Dominican medical professionals working shoulder to shoulder aboard the USNS Comfort, including seven Dominican providers who are lending their expertise to benefit communities across six countries on the ship’s tour.”

Additionally, Comfort’s medical personnel will conduct subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) with Dominican health professionals, to include tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) and round tables on preventative medicine, nutrition, and wound care. U.S. Army veterinarians embarked aboard Comfort from the 248th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support will conduct a dairy farming SMEE and K-9 tactical causality combat care.

This visit marks the sixth Continuing Promise visits the Dominican Republic and the fifth visit from Comfort. The last time Comfort visited the Dominican Republic was during Continuing Promise 2022, where the medical team treated 4,435 patients at sites in Santo Domingo and Azua, as well as conducted 87 surgeries aboard Comfort.

“I am excited to be here as we bring the same service offered to other countries to my home country,” said Dominican Republic 1st Lt. Luiz Rameriez, doctor of obstetrics and gynecology embarked aboard Comfort. “I am excited for the U.S. service members to tour our facilities and to see how we can improve and impact the overall health of the population.”

The CP25 mission in Dominican Republic also includes a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) SMEE and a table-top exercise with local responders. Sailors aboard Comfort will also support the region through a variety of community relations events to include a beach clean-up and performances from the U.S. Fleet Forces band “Unchartered Waters.”

“This mission is a blessing, there are people not as fortunate to receive advanced medical care and we are able to provide it while we are here,” said Hospitalman Joseclaudia Garcia, a food service associate assigned to Comfort with Dominican heritage. “The Dominican people will really feel very appreciated that we get to share these engagements with them. I am very excited my fellow service members will get to experience my culture first hand!”

CP25 marks the 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth aboard Comfort. The mission will foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-federal entities, and international organizations.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil/, X – @ NAVSOUS4THFLT, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-naval-forces-southern-command-u-s-4th-fleet

July 16, 2025

Defense News in Brief: 317th AW showcases combat readiness in major AMC inspection

Source: United States Airforce

The 317th Airlift Wing completed the initial phase of its first-ever Combat Readiness Inspection, evaluated by Air Mobility Command at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

The CRI measured the wing’s ability to rapidly deploy combat-ready forces in contested, degraded and operationally limited environments, directly supporting Air Force and Department of Defense objectives.

“Our wing’s number one priority is ‘mission execution upon notification’,” said Col. Justin Diehl, 317th AW commander. “317th Airmen continuously train to rapidly respond with precision to the most complex operating environments in the world, and this inspection offered another opportunity to validate their timelines.”

The inspection began with a mock 24-hour deployment notification. Airmen received scenario-based intelligence, a briefing from leadership and guidance on deployment expectations.

“When given a sudden notification to deploy, our team has the necessary skills to move out and lead at scale,” said Chief Master Sgt. Martin Castillo, 317th AW command chief. “This gives the wing the ability to execute the commander’s intent instantly.”

A loadmaster assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron configures cargo rollers inside a C-130J Super Hercules during a Combat Readiness Inspection at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, July 1, 2025. The inspection evaluated the 317th Airlift Wing’s ability to rapidly generate and deploy combat-ready airpower in support of global mobility operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrien Tran)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christian Sanchez, 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance journeyman, checks an entry authorization list during a Combat Readiness Inspection at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, July 1, 2025. The 317th Airlift Wing was evaluated by Air Mobility Command during its first graded CRI. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrien Tran) — Airman 1st Class Christian Sanchez, 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance journeyman, checks an entry authorization list during a Combat Readiness Inspection at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, July 1, 2025. The 317th Airlift Wing was evaluated by Air Mobility Command during its first graded CRI. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrien Tran)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing observe activity from the side hatch of a C-130J Super Hercules during a Combat Readiness Inspection at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, July 1, 2025. The Air Mobility Command inspection tested the wing’s ability to rapidly deploy mission-ready Airmen and equipment under realistic, time-constrained scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrien Tran) — Airmen assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing observe activity from the side hatch of a C-130J Super Hercules during a Combat Readiness Inspection at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, July 1, 2025. The Air Mobility Command inspection tested the wing’s ability to rapidly deploy mission-ready Airmen and equipment under realistic, time-constrained scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrien Tran)

Throughout the CRI, AMC inspectors general and wing inspection team members evaluated the 317th AW’s execution of deployment operations. Airmen were tasked to rapidly generate aircraft, process cargo and mission plan while also completing the associated administrative and medical requirements.

“The key to success in this CRI is our ‘we’re going’ mindset,” Castillo said. “Our Airmen understand that our culture is rooted in being prepared to deploy at a moment’s notice to execute high-end operations around the world.”

Upon receiving the CRI deployment order, Airmen staged pallets and equipment for transport, loaded C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and prepared aircrews for maximum endurance operations, ensuring the 317th AW performed mission execution upon notification.

“Our Airmen consistently meet and exceed our expectations,” Diehl said. “They think and move fast, maintaining the precision required to respond to global operations in contested environments. The CRI was another opportunity to highlight the effort they put in every day.”

The 317th AW used the CRI to prepare to participate in the Air Force’s Department Level Exercise, an initiative designed to demonstrate the service’s readiness for complex, large-scale military operations.

“This wing operates at the leading edge,” Diehl said. “Through the CRI, our Airmen demonstrated their ability through their advanced training to solve challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

The completion of the initial phase of the CRI underscores the 317th AW’s ability to generate and employ combat-ready airpower at a moment’s notice. The milestone reinforces the wing’s ‘we’re going’ mindset and highlights its vital role in delivering rapid global mobility and ensuring U.S. and coalition forces can respond to known and emerging threats decisively and effectively.

July 16, 2025

Defense News in Brief: U.S., Royal Thai Navies Forge Stronger Bonds Through Secure CENTRIX Communications During CARAT Thailand 2025

Source: United States Navy

SATTAHIP, Thailand — In the Indo-Pacific, effective and secure communication forms the bedrock of strong alliances. This critical principle is at the forefront of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2025, where U.S. Navy personnel and their Royal Thai Navy (RTN) counterparts conducted subject matter expert exchanges on the Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIX)

July 16, 2025

Defense News in Brief: 55th Wing arrives in Australia for Talon Shield, reinforcing global partnerships, combat readiness

Source: United States Airforce

Talon Shield centers on strengthening joint operational readiness and highlights the U.S. Air Force’s AFFORGEN model — a deliberate force presentation strategy designed to ensure mission-ready Airmen are trained, equipped and deployable on demand.

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE EDINBURGH, Australia (AFNS) — The 55th Wing has arrived in Australia, launching the execution of Talon Shield. This high-end training event reinforces the U.S. Air Force’s ability to project power, integrate with allies, and execute from forward locations. Talon Shield is part of the larger exercise, Talisman Sabre, which will bring together more than 30,000 personnel from 19 countries across the Indo-Pacific region.

Talon Shield centers on strengthening joint operational readiness and highlights the U.S. Air Force’s Air Force Force Generation, or AFFORGEN, model — a deliberate force presentation strategy designed to ensure mission-ready airmen are trained, equipped and deployable on demand. The 55th Wing is executing the exercise under a Strategic Deployable Combat Wing construct, demonstrating how smaller, agile teams can operate from distributed locations while remaining fully connected to the joint fight.

“We are grateful to our partners, the Royal Australian Air Force, for hosting our large contingent for Talon Shield,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Aaron Gray, 55th Wing commander. “We are learning from each other and demonstrating the ability to project power and deeply integrate anywhere on the globe. We are excited to be a part of such an expansive exercise demonstrating not only readiness, but the strength of our relationships.”

RAAF and U.S. Airmen setup a satellite dish. — Aircraftman Trung Nguyen, Royal Australian Air Force 10 Squadron network technician, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Iris Morris, 55th Communications Group client systems technician, sets up a satellite dish during Talon Shield at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia July 10, 2025. The dish provides connection to secured satellites for a secret internet protocol router network. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

Two key partners joined the 55th Wing: the 319th Reconnaissance Wing from Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, and the 552nd Air Control Wing from Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. Together, these wings deliver advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, airborne command and control, or C2, and electromagnetic warfare capabilities — key enablers in ensuring joint force superiority.

“Our integration with the 55th Wing and our Australian hosts underscores the real-world relevance of airborne battle management,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Kenneth J. Voigt Jr., 552nd Air Control Wing commander. “This exercise proves that our globe-spanning partnerships are more than symbolic; they are operationally decisive.”

Standing up a Strategic Deployable Combat Wing model in Australia demanded meticulous planning, cross-unit synchronization and a united logistics effort spanning three major wings across the continental United States. The combination of these three critical wings delivers unique capabilities and complex support requirements, which the team merged into a single, agile, forward-deployed force package.

The 55th Wing coordinated the deployment of nearly 200 personnel across multiple specialties essential to the mission, including aircraft maintenance, operations, intelligence, communications, security forces, logistics and personnel support. This diverse team formed the backbone of the Strategic Deployable Combat Wing, ensuring 24/7 operational readiness upon arrival.

Fuel test performed before refueling an RC-135V/W Rivet Joint. — Aaron Semrau, UGL aircraft refueler, tests the fuel before refueling an RC-135V/W Rivet Joint with 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management Airmen at Royal Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh, South Australia, June 10, 2025. The test ensures that the fuel is free of water and other particulates that could damage aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Thornbury.

Alongside the personnel deployment, the wing moved more than 55 tons of cargo — including mission-critical systems, maintenance equipment, aircraft support tools, communications infrastructure and sustainment supplies. Load plans, cargo tracking and customs documentation were meticulously executed to align international movements and ensure seamless setup at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

“Agile operations require more than speed; they require precision, trust and disciplined coordination,” Voigt said. “What we accomplished here wasn’t just a movement of forces; it was a demonstration of how strategic planning and interoperability give us the edge in contested environments.”

The scale of this deployment required inter-theater coordination, including direct collaboration with the U.S. Transportation Command, Pacific Air Forces logistics planners and Australian base support teams. Lodging, local transportation, in-country movement of mission assets and 24/7 sustainment operations were pre-planned in close partnership with the RAAF, whose responsiveness and interoperability were essential to mission success.

Moreover, leveraging RAAF systems and infrastructure, from flightline equipment and communication systems to cargo handling, allowed the U.S. team to remain agile and minimize its footprint, further proving the effectiveness of allied integration in contested and resource-constrained environments.

“This was a full-scale logistical operation that spanned hemispheres,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Alfred Rosales, 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander. “Our ability to seamlessly arrive, set-up and operate with the RAAF shows what allied nation integration looks like in action. It’s not theory, it’s a capability realized.”

This operation wasn’t just about transportation and the timeline; it was about building a combat-ready team, fully integrated and postured to execute the mission from Day One. Across the Pacific, every moving piece — from aircraft and equipment to fuel plans and lodging — was orchestrated to ensure airmen could arrive, plug in and immediately contribute to the fight. That level of precision and purpose is what defines the 55th Wing’s approach to combat preparation.

“Standing up a Strategic Deployable Combat Wing takes relentless focus and a warfighter mindset from every Airman involved,” Gray said. “We mobilized, arrived ready, integrated with the BMC2 enterprise, other ISR assets and allies. We delivered a large force package of decisive airpower.”

This level of integration, complexity and speed demonstrates that the AFFORGEN model is not just a concept; it’s a reality in motion. Through Talon Shield, the 55th Wing and its partners are proving that globally integrated, rapidly deployable and interoperable airpower is not only possible, but operationally decisive.

July 15, 2025

Defense News in Brief: Talisman Sabre 2025 Begins with Record Participation and Enduring Purpose

Source: United States Navy

SYDNEY, Australia — Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 formally commenced today from the flight deck of HMAS Adelaide in Sydney Harbor, launching military activities involving 19 nations and over 30,000 service members across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. This marks the largest bilateral military training event between the United States and Australia to date.

July 15, 2025

Defense News in Brief: USS Mount Whitney Returns to Homeport

Source: United States Navy

GAETA, Italy – The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) returned to homeport in Gaeta, Italy, after operating in the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Baltic Sea. The underway underscored the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional security and strong partnerships with European and African nations.

July 14, 2025

Defense News in Brief: Sea Breeze 25-2 Concludes Showcasing Unified Mine Warfare Capabilities off UK Coast

Source: United States Navy

PORTLAND PORT, England – Exercise Sea Breeze 25-2 officially concluded following two weeks of multinational mine countermeasure operations in the waters off the United Kingdom’s southern coast July 11, 2025.

Ships assigned to the Sea Breeze 2025-2 Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Task Group sail in formation. Sea Breeze is an annual maritime exercise aimed at building collective capability and agility to restore security and stability in the dynamic Black Sea. Sea Breeze 2025-2 is focused on mine countermeasure, explosive ordnance disposal, dive operations, and unmanned underwater vehicles. (U.S. Navy Courtesy Photo)

Exercise Sea Breeze 25-2 officially concluded following two weeks of multinational mine countermeasure operations in the waters off the United Kingdom’s southern coast July 11, 2025. Naval forces from 14 nations, including NATO allies and partners, demonstrated coordination and enhanced interoperability in a dynamic maritime environment.

From June 30 to July 11, participating forces from Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Latvia, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States conducted joint mine hunting operations, dive and salvage missions, explosive ordnance disposal, and the deployment of cutting-edge robotic and autonomous systems (RAS).

The culminating demonstration showcased a unified application of these capabilities, reinforcing the collective strength and cohesion of participating nations in high-intensity, multi-domain scenarios.

“The U.S. Navy’s mission is to keep the seas open. Mines restrict that. Our MCM force is small, so we rely heavily on partners and allies. These exercises ensure we can interoperate and conduct mine countermeasure operations together,” said Capt. William Williams, the commodore of Mine Countermeasures Group 6.

At the center of the exercise was a fully integrated, combined headquarters that executed advanced staff planning, targeting operations, and command-and-control across a coalition force. The inclusion of RAS, electronic warfare integration, and real-time situational awareness significantly expanded the participating nations’ capacity to operate across domains.

This year, Exercise Sea Breeze 2025 occurred in two iterations, Sea Breeze 25-1 and 25-2. The first iteration, Sea Breeze 25-1, was hosted by the Romanian Armed Forces at Smardan Range, Romania, June 1-20, 2025.

Since 1997, Exercise Sea Breeze has brought together Black Sea nations, NATO Allies and partners together to train and operate with NATO members in the pursuit of building increased capabilities. Exercise Sea Breeze 2025 is an annual multinational maritime exercise, involving sea, land, and air components co-hosted by the United States and Ukraine to enhance interoperability and capability among participating forces.

Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allies, international partners, and other U.S. government departments and agencies to advance U.S. national interests, security, and stability in Europe and Africa.

July 14, 2025

Defense News in Brief: SecAF, CSAF visit Whiteman AFB following Operation Midnight Hammer

Source: United States Airforce

Department of the Air Force leaders commended top performers within the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings during a visit to Whiteman AFB.

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFNS) —

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin visited Whiteman Air Force Base on July 10 to commend Airmen on the success of Operation Midnight Hammer.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joshua Wiitala, 509th Bomb Wing commander, right, greets Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 10, 2025. — Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink is greeted by Col. Joshua Wiitala, 509th Bomb Wing commander, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 10, 2025. Department of the Air Force leaders visited Whiteman AFB to commend members following Operation Midnight Hammer, the largest B-2 Spirit operational strike in U.S. history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Garcia)

The June 21 operation saw seven B-2 Spirit deliver an overnight strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities, the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history. In a timeline of just weeks, members of the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings turned strategic planning of an unprecedented operation into global execution.

“The success of this mission demonstrates the precision and potency of a combat-ready Air Force and strategic innovation,” Meink said. “The warfighting capability of the Total Force Airmen here and the B-2 Spirit was tested with the world watching, and Team Whiteman performed flawlessly.”

The complex operation incorporated decoy bombers that flew west over the Pacific Ocean. This deceptive tactic was known ahead of time by only a select few mission planners at Whiteman AFB and key leaders at the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command headquarters. The seven aircraft that executed the mission deployed a total of 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, which was the first operational use of the “bunker buster” bombs.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink coins an Airman at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 10, 2025. — Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink coins an Airman at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 10, 2025. Department of the Air Force leaders visited Whiteman AFB to commend members following Operation Midnight Hammer, the largest B-2 Spirit operational strike in U.S. history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Garcia)

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin meet with members of the 509th and 131st Bomb Wing leadership team at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 10, 2025. Department of the Air Force leaders commended top performers within the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings during the base visit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Garcia)

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin shakes hands with an Airman at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 10, 2025. — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin shakes hands with an Airman at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 10, 2025. Allvin serves as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipping of active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the U.S. and overseas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Garcia)

During their visit, the senior leaders thanked the members at Whiteman AFB who contributed to the operation and coined those who exemplified excellence throughout all stages of the mission.

“The U.S. Air Force’s ability to project airpower globally with minimal notice is unmatched,” Allvin said. “Our advantage stems from Airmen who are mission-focused and able to adapt to a rapidly evolving strategic landscape. The Airmen here have set the standard for operational precision and execution.”

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin speaks with Airmen at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 10, 2025. — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin speaks with Airmen at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., July 10, 2025. Allvin serves as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipping of active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Garcia)

The pressure of the high-stakes mission was not only felt by the B-2 pilots and operation’s planners. Given a deadline of nearly one week, Airmen assigned to the 509th Maintenance Group were tasked with building and loading the GBU-57 MOPs, refueling the aircraft, and performing preflight inspections ensuring the bombers could carry out their lengthy flights and deploy the weapons.

“I could not be prouder of the men and women of Team Whiteman,” said Col. Joshua Wiitala, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “Operation Midnight Hammer showed the world that we are ready to deliver precision global strike when called upon. We are humbled by the recognition the team is receiving from our nation’s leaders for their perseverance and dedication to our one-of-a-kind mission.”

Being the only installation in the world to operate a stealth bomber makes Whiteman AFB an integral component to U.S. Strategic Command’s mission of deterring strategic attack. As showcased by Operation Midnight Hammer, the B-2 is not only a visible shield, but an invisible sword, ready to deliver lethality – anytime, anywhere.

July 14, 2025

Defense News in Brief: 354th AEW provides combat airpower to REFORPAC 25

Source: United States Airforce

During the exercise the 354th AEW will rapidly deploy and regionally maneuver fifth-generation capabilities like the F-35A Lightning II while executing Agile Combat Employment techniques.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) —

The 354th Air Expeditionary Wing is participating in exercise Resolute Force Pacific 25, to test its ability to quickly and effectively command and control air assets throughout the Pacific, July 10 – August 8.

REFORPAC 25 is the largest Air Force contingency training exercise in the Pacific, training military members to maintain readiness and execute missions under stress throughout multiple locations in the Pacific, including Guam, Japan, and international airspace.

“REFORPAC will demonstrate how our Airmen generate and employ lethal combat airpower at effective scale and scope to achieve combatant commander objectives,” said Col. Matthew Johnston, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “Collaborating with our allies, partners, and Joint Forces we will validate our ability to maintain robust command and control in the region while maneuvering our forces and executing missions.”

During the exercise the 354th AEW will rapidly deploy and regionally maneuver fifth-generation capabilities like the F-35A Lightning II while executing Agile Combat Employment techniques.

Airmen attend meeting. — Airmen with the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing attend a welcome brief with multinational and joint partners at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as Resolute Force Pacific 25 gets underway July 11, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 350 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrea Posey)

F-35 taking off from runway. — An F-35A Lightning II from the354th Air Expeditionary Wing arrives in Guam for exercise Resolute Force Pacific 25, July 12, 2025. REFORPAC is designed to deliver Air Force capabilities to the Indo-Pacific region at speed and scale, then demonstrate the ability to command and control agile combat employment operations across more than six time zones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrea Posey)

F-35s parked on flightline. — F-35A Lightning II’s from the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing park on the flight line in Guam for Resolute Force Pacific 25 exercise, July 12, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 350 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrea Posey)

“The women and men of the 354th AEW are focused on generating combat airpower while optimizing and enhancing the asymmetric advantages we have in the free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Lt. Col Erik Gonsalves, 355th Mission Generation Force Element commander. “We’re using intense training exercises like REFORPAC to test and refine our skills in unique situations and austere locations, challenging us to solidify or update our gameplan to ensure we are ready to respond swiftly and effectively.”

Large scale exercises like REFORPAC make the 354th AEW more capable of delivering lethal airpower to combatant commanders in defense of national military objectives.

“REFORPAC demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability, multilateral cooperative arrangements with our Allies and partners, advancing common interests, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said Johnston. “By working with our multinational and joint partners the 354th AEW becomes a stronger and more capable wing that demonstrates our collective commitment to maintaining regional stability.”

REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more lethal deterrent force. The DLE series encompasses all branches of the Department of Defense, along with allies and partners, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles.