11th Airborne Division employs expeditionary communications during JPMRC

Photo By Senior Airman Cayla Hunt | U.S. Army Maj. Bryce Benda and Capt. Jared Polack, both assigned to the 11th Airborne Division G-6, alongside a contractor, coordinate the installation of an R4i Hatch-mounted Starshield Antenna communications system aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules communications system aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, in support of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 6, 2026. The capability enables resilient communications in support of joint operations during large-scale training exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cayla Hunt)  

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, UNITED STATES

02.05.2026

Story by Senior Airman Cayla Hunt 

374th Airlift Wing

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska — Members of the 11th Airborne Division established continuous, en route command and control during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training by installing an R4i Hatch-mounted Starshield Antenna aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, in support of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 6, 2026. The carry-on, carry-off communications system was employed for the first time in support of JPMRC, providing resilient, expeditionary connectivity in a contested training environment. Integrating the capability aboard a tactical airlift platform enabled secure communications while operating across dispersed locations, reducing command-and-control gaps traditionally caused by long flight times and austere operating conditions. “Employing this capability during JPMRC validated its move from testing into operational use,” said Lt. Col. Jerry Champion, 11th Airborne Division G-6. “It marked the first operational use of a Starshield hatch-mounted solution aboard a C-130 aircraft. For the first time, commanders were able to maintain continuous, data-centric command and control while en route.” The effort demonstrated the division’s ability to rapidly establish communication networks that support joint and multinational operations, reinforcing readiness and adaptability during large-scale training exercises.

• Date Taken: 02.05.2026
• Date Posted: 02.26.2026 01:03
• Story ID: 558429
• Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US