📋 Tender Overview
Published July 29, 2025 By Tech. Sgt. Monica Roybal and Staff Sgt. Dalton Williams Air Mobility Command Public Affairs JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Air Mobility Command is executing operations as part of the U.S. Air Forces 2025 Department-Level Exercise series across the Indo-Pacific region to validate its ability to project and sustain combat power, alongside allies and partners, in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The exercise, which integrates the Air Force Force Generation model and Agile Combat Employment concepts, highlights how the Air Force can deploy within established timelines and support distributed operations in diverse, austere and highly contested environments. Through the AFFORGEN cycle, the Air Force ensures a well-prepared and responsive force capable of supporting various operations across multiple theaters simultaneously. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Saege Ayala, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental technician, closes the cover of a KC-46A Pegasus engine after conducting repairs during the Air Forces 2025 Department-Level Exercise series at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 15, 2025. The DLE strengthens and demonstrates the U.S. Air Forces ability to reach theater at speed and scale, sustain operations and rapidly pivot to any theater of operation at a moments notice while maintaining the strategic initiative. 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 personnel across more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Following the rapid deployment of aircraft, personnel and mission-essential cargo into theater, and within hours of landing, units established forward operating locations and dispersed aircraft to assorted locations across the Indo-Pacific region. This demonstration of ACE is a key component of the employment phase, which tests how quickly forces can generate missions upon arrival. During the employment phase of the DLE series, we anticipated a dynamic operational environment that would challenge our adaptability, coordination and mission command principles--and thats exactly what unfolded, said Lt. Col. Edward Silva, C-17 Mission Generation Force Element commander for the DLE 2025 and 21st Airlift Squadron commander. Our team seamlessly integrated with the 36th Wing to establish force bed down and actively partnered with our international allies to align on shared objectives. By putting each Airmans unique experiences and skills to the test during this phase, they were able to overcome challenges in austere environments and execute the mission. When communications or command and control systems fail due to distance or other issues, my Airmen executed within the last-given intent and continued to push the mission forward. By the time communications were re-established, the overall mission was further down the track than I had any right to hope. That is culture in action, said Lt. Col. James Vanderneck, C-130 MGFE commander for the DLE 2025 and 41st Airlift Squadron commander. Another critical component of the employment phase is the U.S. Air Forces ability to leverage the expertise and perspectives of our professionally trained enlisted and officer corps to seamlessly operate as a cohesive unit at a moments notice. The power of this operation came from the cohesion of our people, Silva said. Many stepped far beyond their comfort zones, tackling unfamiliar tasks with the singular goal of mission success. What we witnessed wasnt just employment--it was empowerment and a clear reminder that when bold operations meet bold teams, the result is remarkable. U.S. Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force aeromedical evacuation members participate in a familiarization training on a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, during the Air Forces 2025 Department-Level Exercise series at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 13, 2025. This exercise is part of the first-in-a-generation DLE series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooklyn Golightly) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res This combined knowledge serves as the foundation for successful mission execution by enabling Airmen to move fast, think critically and creatively and disrupt the status quo, finding new concepts of operating in a complex global environment. Our crews have been relentless, executing complex airdrops and flying max-endurance missions that span incredible distances, Silva said. Every flight was a testament to their professionalism and grit, but one of the unsung victories has been the performance of our maintainers and support personnel. Theyve kept our aircraft mission-ready through every challenge, whether it was harsh conditions, compressed timelines or equipment stress. Their work was seamless, and their resolve, unmatched. The DLE series is also a key demonstration of the U.S. Air Forces commitment to interoperability and highlights how joint and combined integration at all levels enhances performance and allows organizations to achieve their goals more effectively. Working side by side with regional allies and partners, Airmen participated in coordinated missions, exchanged tactics and aligned logistic frameworks to strengthen coalition cohesion and improve command and control capabilities. A key example of seamless interoperability executed during the DLE series is the 41st Airlift Squadron working alongside the Royal Air Force to seamle
