DAF kicks off department-level exercise series in Pacific

Published July 8, 2025
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --

The Department of the Air Force launched its Pacific-focused first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise (DLE) series today in multiple locations across the United States and Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

This DLE is scheduled to feature 12,000 U.S. Air and Space Force personnel, more than 350 bomber, fighter, cargo and refueling aircraft, and space-based and space-enabled capabilities to include, but not limited to, space electromagnetic warfare, space domain awareness, orbital warfare and navigational warfare.

A pilot preforms pre-flight checks — U.S. Air Force Capt. Abby Devarennes, 50th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, performs pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, prior to an air refueling mission at McClellan Airport in Sacramento California, during exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1, Feb. 10, 2025. Bamboo Eagle provides the opportunity to test the coordination between air mobility and combat forces, ensuring sustained fighter operations and rapid power projection in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Monique Stober)

"This exercise, the first of its kind since the Cold War, marks a pivotal moment for our Air Force and Space Force, bringing together Airmen and Guardians to bolster our nation's warfighting capabilities,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “Training like this alongside the Joint Force, our allies and partners in realistic operating environments using distributed operations is how we integrate capabilities to overcome any national security challenge.”

The DLE series will incorporate multiple command exercises into one overall threat deterrence scenario, including Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), Resolute Space, Mobility Guardian, Emerald Warrior and Bamboo Eagle 25-3. It will also integrate multiple allies and partners in specific component exercises with shared interests. Partner integration is critical to U.S. efforts to ensure regional and global peace and stability and provides a decisive advantage against complex threats.

"Exercising at this speed, scale and tempo is how we prepare for the future fight,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “We need Airmen to move fast and think outside the box, disrupting the operational status quo. We also build trust and understanding through deliberate planning, operating and learning alongside our partners across the Pacific."

A large part of this expanded exercise construct is tackling the logistical challenges that come with the sustainment of operations over time. Air Mobility Command has been preparing for this month-long effort for nearly two years, incorporating valuable lessons from Mobility Guardian 2023. For this year’s iteration AMC plans to showcase improved sustainment operations, both as part of the DLE and as part of U.S. Transportation Command’s Ultimate Distribution exercise.

F-35 fighter aircraft gets refueled by a KC-135 — An F-35 Lighting II fighter aircraft assigned to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing over the Southeast Pacific Ocean during exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1, Feb. 10, 2025. Bamboo Eagle allows aircrews to train in combat representative scenarios, enhancing their ability to execute complex refueling operations in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Monique Stober)

“Validating our ability to sustain operations by rapidly flowing forces and conducting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) throughout the Indo-Pacific theater is essential,” said Allvin. “Practicing these large muscle movements and learning to integrate seamlessly with our regional allies and partners ensures we can project power and provide options to the President.”

With the inclusion of Resolute Space, the series also incorporates the U.S. Space Force’s capabilities in much the same way they would be integrated in a real-world scenario.

“Resolute Space sends a clear message: Guardians are prepared to fight and win in space shoulder to shoulder with our joint and allied partners,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “By training at this unprecedented scale, we’re sharpening warfighter instincts, strengthening combat credibility and proving our commitment to deliver peace through strength in the face of any challenge.”

Through this DLE, the Department of the Air Force is preparing to be a stronger, more lethal deterrent force, to provide an advantage against competitors and adversaries across all domains, and to ensure regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.