Photo By Staff Sgt. Tyler McQuiston | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Hayden Clark, a loadmaster assigned to the 39th...... read more read more
Subscribe
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawai'i – Air Mobility Command and Pacific Air Forces Command air operations centers are working together to execute air operations in support of the U.S. Air Force’s first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series executed across the Indo-Pacific region.
The execution of air operations is a complex and meticulously planned endeavor. Every aspect, from strategic objectives to the individual tasks of Airmen, is carefully designed to ensure mission effectiveness.
Lessons learned from exercises such as Mobility Guardian 2023 and real-world operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility have been instrumental in shaping a new paradigm for operational effectiveness, exemplifying the "One Air Force" ethos.
“Historically it has been challenging to integrate the specialized expertise each major command brings surrounding specific platforms, theaters of operation, and unit capabilities,” said Caroline Mendoza, AMC Joint Exercise Division chief. "The DLE offered an opportunity for all of these platforms, forces and capabilities to integrate in one maneuver in a constrained logistics environment with competing global priorities … and deliver theater priorities. AMC used the direct support model, refined in CENTCOM, to seamlessly support Pacific priorities in the DLE."
This drives the question: how can forces achieve full integration, effectively leveraging specialized expertise where it's most needed, while simultaneously managing multiple missions and varying priorities across geographically dispersed theaters?
The answer lies in the sophisticated command and control architecture embodied by the AOCs.
U.S. Air Force Col. Lucas Spathes, 15th Operations Group commander and former 618th AOC Global Operations division chief, emphasized how at the end of the day, it always comes down to command and control.
A prime example is the synergistic relationship between the 613th AOC, responsible for PACAF operations, and the 618th AOC, which manages the global AMC assets and the direct support model that AMC exercises with PACAF.
This seamless communication and coordination between the two AOCs during the DLE series ensures mobility requirements are efficiently addressed, optimizing the flow of resources and personnel to meet operational demands.
Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander and joint forces air component commander, leads all air operations in the Indo-Pacific theater, and the AOCs are responsible for executing his priorities. Moreover, the role of the AOC is to ensure every action is precisely coordinated, resources are used efficiently, and overall strategic objectives are met. Without central control, air operations are at risk for becoming counterproductive and fragmented, making it essential to the fight.
“The direct support model represents a significant advancement in command and control, fostering a more unified and responsive Air Force,” Mendoza said. “By leveraging the specialized knowledge of MAJCOMs within a centralized, coordinated framework, the Air Force is better positioned to project power and respond effectively to evolving global challenges.”
The direct support model was first seen in U.S. Central Command during real-world operations and has since been refined over 50 years of lessons learned. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has observed the practices, implemented them in theater, and stresses the need for continued application due to the tyranny of distance between operating locations.
This model ensures units actively engaged in operations are allocated the appropriate resources and expertise, streamlining the support chain, minimizing delays, and ensuring critical needs are addressed efficiently.
Under this framework, specialized units are embedded with or closely aligned to the supported force, like AMC support to PACAF, allowing for real-time communication, rapid response to emergent requirements, and a deeper understanding of the operational environment. This close proximity fosters trust and collaboration, enabling tailored support solutions that enhance mission effectiveness.
Spathes described how direct support is particularly valuable in dynamic and high-tempo environments where responsiveness and adaptability are paramount.
“Direct support, in particular, allows us to address both steady-state requirements and potential blind spots within the theater, ensuring we maintain a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment and can respond effectively to any challenge,” he said.
To ensure this direct support is effective, planning is essential.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Edmond Duvall, AMC air planner for the DLE series, explained the role of the planning team.
"As an air planner, our team acts as a critical bridge between the units on the ground and the air operations center. We carefully analyze unilateral shared forces requests, coordinating with the requesting units to understand their needs and operational context,” he said. “Our key role is to prioritize these plans based on strategic objectives and feasibility, ensuring the AOC has a clear and concise proposal for final approval."
The need for organizations to plan and verify theater requirements stresses the significance of interoperability.
Spathes also discussed the importance of interoperability within the command and control and direct support model framework.
"Effective air operations hinge on interoperability, the ability of Airmen across different commands to work seamlessly together. This isn't just about technology. It's about the relationships Airmen build, day-in and day-out, to bridge the gap between global priorities like those of the 618th AOC and the specific needs of the Indo-Pacific theater, as managed by the 613th AOC,” he explained. “This collaborative approach, forged through continual lessons observed that are turned into lessons learned, is what allows us to accomplish diverse missions effectively."
The DLE series provides a critical proving ground for these integrated command and control structures. Within this framework, the AOCs demonstrate their vital role in orchestrating both AMC and PACAF assets, while also ensuring the timely delivery of personnel, equipment, supplies and airpower. This allows participating units the opportunity to refine their ability to receive and utilize every asset to support realistic scenarios during exercises like the DLE.
The 618th AOC’s active participation in the DLE continues to validate their capacity to project power and sustain operations, while strengthening interoperability across the force and ensuring a cohesive and effective response to future global challenges.
Through the continued refinement and employment of command and control, the U.S. Air Force reinforces its commitment to agile, responsive, and integrated airpower around the globe.
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2025 11:58 |
| Story ID: | 545098 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, When an Aircraft Flies… This is Command and Control, by SSgt Victoria Cowan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
