DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 21st Air Task Force (ATF) participated in Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Rotation 26-01 from Nov. 2–20 headquartering at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
JPMRC 26-01 brought together U.S. joint forces and multinational partners to rehearse large-scale operations, strengthen coordination and test emerging capabilities across the Indo-Pacific.
As part of the Air Force’s shift to presenting Units of Action, the ATF brings together Mission-Ready Airmen capable of providing command and control, base operating support and agile mission generation as a single, deployable unit.
“Participating in JPMRC gave us the opportunity to conduct advanced training,” said Lt. Col. Nathaniel White, 21st Combat Air Base Squadron (CABS) commander. “Our Airmen showcased their strength while expanding previously learned skills, applying them further and testing our mission sets in a dynamic environment.”
The exercise served as the 21st ATF’s 300-level certification event, validating the unit’s ability to operate as a cohesive Unit of Action in geographically separated contested environments.
“JPMRC is the next level of training for the 21st ATF because it’s where we test our advanced skills in a real joint environment.” said Lt. Col. White. “This exercise confirmed that our Mission-Ready Airmen can operate across dispersed locations, work seamlessly with joint partners and meet the readiness standards required for future deployments.”
During the rotation, the 21st ATF exercised command and control, Agile Combat Employment concepts, small Unmanned Aircraft System integration and rapid personnel and equipment movement under simulated threat conditions. Airmen operated across Hawaii and Wake Island, establishing and securing forward and contingency locations that introduced realistic logistics, communication and sustainment challenges.
“This exercise improved our team’s readiness since it showed us how quickly situations can shift,” said Master Sgt. Joseph LoGrande, 21st CABS communications lead. “We learned to manage communications internally, pushing us out of our comfort zone and reinforcing the need to stay flexible when facing obstacles.”
These lessons proved especially valuable as the exercise shifted into more complex joint operations, requiring the 21st ATF to synchronize with the 15th Airlift Wing and the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division during the exercise’s first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Insertion dry-fire event.
This level of interoperability is essential as the Air Force prepares for future operations that rely on close coordination with ground forces, allies, and joint partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
“JPMRC was an excellent opportunity to integrate with Army and multinational forces, from the field to the command center.” said Col. Thomas Walsh, 21st ATF commander. “This kind of training allows Units of Action, like the 21st ATF, to orient themselves on the future operating environments.”
The 21st ATF will complete its final 400-level certification early next year, which will certify the team as fully mission-capable ahead of its scheduled deployment to the Pacific.