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Despite being more than 6,920 miles from home, members from the 94th AW flying under the “Big Square A” remain true to their Wing’s mantra in Tokyo: cunning, rugged and courageous.
The Square A refers to an aircraft tail insignia that was first used by the 94th Bombardment Group, from which the 94th AW hails, to designate its aircraft during bombing formations over the European continent throughout WWII. The insignia is displayed as a bold, white letter “A” encased in a black square on the aircraft’s tail.
The REFORPAC exercise is part of the Department of Defense’s Department-Level Exercise series, which incorporates multiple command exercises into one threat deterrence scenario across the Indo-Pacific region. Specifically, REFORPAC, incorporates large-scale mobility operations and multinational cooperation, allowing members from the 94th AW to focus on their ability and readiness to project airpower at a moment’s notice.
“My role for this exercise, as well as my primary duty at home station, is as a copilot on the C-130H,” said Capt. Andrew Shepley, 700th Airlift Squadron pilot. “This role allows me to always be ready to transport or airdrop anything that is needed, regardless of the time or location in the world.”
The integration of Reserve, Guard and active duty components plays a specific role in REFORPAC’s success, allowing diverse units to operate under a unified command structure while developing joint interoperability.
“Although all three of these components fall under the U.S. Air Force, they operate in slightly different manners,” Shepley said. “We all train to the same professional standards, but typically that is in our own local environments. Combining all of us into these joint exercises away from home allows us to work together and find, and improve, any shortcomings we may have in a controlled environment.”
In addition to flying operations, engine maintenance technicians are also demonstrating their capabilities during this exercise. Senior Airman Titus Best Jr., an aerospace propulsion journeyman with the 94th Maintenance Squadron, is responsible for maintaining and preparing aircraft engines to meet mission requirements.
“My role in this exercise is to ensure all engines on all aircraft are mission capable as well as assisting with sealing aircraft for the next mission,” Best said. “This ties into the bigger mission by ensuring our air crew has a ready aircraft to carry their missions out, and also shows our adversaries just how quick and responsive we can be.”
REFORPAC provides Airmen with training scenarios that include tasks such as last-minute maintenance and working with unfamiliar counterparts, offering a variety of working conditions and challenges.
“I don’t think anything beats successfully troubleshooting an aircraft hours before takeoff time and giving our aircrew the reassurance that their engines are taken care of,” Best said.
The combination of exercise and local training allows Reserve Airmen to perform tasks across various roles, such as mission planning, cargo loading and aircraft navigation while operating in conditions that support the development of their skills and operational readiness.
“This opportunity is helping me grow as an Airman and engine technician because I am granted real-world expertise and have to stay ready and willing to learn,” Best said. “It is a great test to see where my strengths and weaknesses are, especially in a new environment.”
Similarly, Shepley’s participation in the training provides him exposure to large-scale air mobility operations and the role of Reserve components within joint and multinational efforts.
“The most rewarding part of this exercise to me is seeing just how vast our capabilities are and how they can be implemented around the world at a moment's notice,” Shepley said. “It is very easy to say that we are a part of something bigger, but this saying carries far more meaning now that I have been able to see it first-hand.”
Stateside training supports effective participation in coalition environments, while unfamiliar settings during exercises provide opportunities to apply and adapt skills beyond those used at home stations.
“Dobbins brings a high standard of excellence and professionalism to this exercise,” Shepley said. “This expectation is set during our home station training, making it easy for us to implement around the world. This exercise has given us the opportunity to not only demonstrate our ability to adapt and respond to any situation we are given, but also sharpen our skills in ways that we can’t necessarily do back home.”
Joint and multinational training also provides insight into the leadership, initiative and personal responsibility required of Reserve Airmen when operating on foreign soil and in uncertain conditions.
“My biggest desire is to leave a great impression on those over me, showing my readiness,” Best Jr. said. “If I succeed here, my name may come up more for [similar] assignments and exercises in the future.”
Training in varied environments and working with unfamiliar counterparts introduces different approaches to completing tasks and maintaining operational continuity.
“It’s quite the eye-opener when you’re not only working with people you know,” Best said. “It gives the ability to test working with people you have never met and you can learn how they operate and might even find more efficient techniques to complete maintenance tasks.”
Department of the Air Force exercises illustrate the role of Reserve integration and joint cooperation in supporting training objectives aligned with global operational requirements.
“My participation in this exercise has allowed me to see the coordination and logistics that takes place in order for us to be able to fly and accomplish our airlift mission,” Shepley said. “I gained a newfound appreciation and understanding of the work that goes into every mission.”
From Tokyo to beyond, the 94th AW continues to live out its mantra, proving that even nearly 7,000 miles from Georgia, cunning, rugged, and courageous are more than just words – they’re the standard.
| Date Taken: | 07.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.05.2025 09:13 |
| Story ID: | 547114 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 94th Airlift Wing Airmen cultivate warrior ethos during REFORPAC, by SSgt Gage Daniel, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
