Because of Hawaii’s geographic location, responding to natural disasters requires unique logistical capabilities. To accelerate recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Lala, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the Hawaii National Guard (HING), and state agencies executed a rapid-response airlift effort, named Operation TREK808, to deliver essential utility equipment from California to Hawaii Island from Aug. 23 - 25.
A total payload of 143,790 pounds — including six commercial power and utility repair trucks and a support trailer — was delivered to Hilo, Hawaii, by C-17 Globemaster III aircraft over the course of two airlift missions. By bypassing traditional, slower maritime transport routes, the joint military effort delivered power restoration capabilities to the community.
What began as a simple text message from a local electric company to Gov. Josh Green evolved into a complex, multi-component defense support of civil authorities mission.
“Operation TREK808 demonstrates what we can accomplish when federal, state and private-sector partners respond with urgency and purpose,” said Gov. Green. “Following my request for federal assistance, the Department of War, Adm. Samuel Paparo and U.S. Pacific Command, Pacific Air Forces, the Hawaii National Guard, Southern California Edison and Hawaiian Electric moved quickly to bring utility crews, trucks and critical equipment to Hawaii Island. This coordinated mission will accelerate repairs, restore power sooner... and I am deeply grateful to everyone who answered the call.”
Mobilizing under a tight timeline, total force Airmen from Team Hickam and March Air Reserve Base turned a mission concept to a full-blown rapid response in a matter of hours.
The emergency airlift began in California, where the 452nd Air Mobility Wing prepared March Air Reserve Base to serve as a critical continental staging hub. March personnel established the airfield and logistics support to process emergency cargo, working seamlessly alongside Team Hickam to execute a swift delivery across the Pacific.
A critical linchpin in ensuring the commercial vehicles were approved to fly was Hickam's 647th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Given a no-notice tasking on Sunday afternoon, Tech. Sgt. Sable Miller, an Air Transportation specialist, was packed and boarding an aircraft to California within 90 minutes. Working overnight, Miller completed all necessary hazardous material certifications for the civilian trucks, preventing aircraft delays.
Active duty and Hawaii Air National Guard aircrew and loadmasters from the 535th and 204th Airlift Squadrons were among the teams on the ground in California. Collaborating directly with civilian utility experts, the military engineering crews worked tirelessly to overcome the challenges of a massive commercial cargo load by calculating weight balances and securing the heavy electrical equipment, working through multiple days to ensure the final trucks were safely downloaded in Hilo on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
“This mission demonstrates Team Hickam’s ability to respond and deliver aid during dynamic and demanding times,” said Col. Kyle Clinton, 15th Wing commander. “We rise together to support our neighbors in their time of need, alongside our Guard and state partners. That’s what being part of this community is all about.” For state and local utility leaders, the Air Force's presence, total force integration, and heavy-lift capability on the island were irreplaceable factors in the recovery efforts.
"Military crews worked tirelessly to incorporate civilian equipment specifications into transportability by the nation's premier Globemaster," stated Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, Hawaii Adjutant General. “The total force integration relationship between Pacific Air Forces and the Hawaii Air National Guard accelerated execution, an absolute necessity given the state’s archipelagic construct and geographic separation from the continental United States."
The Operation TREK808 flights ran parallel to extensive ground operations by the HING, which currently has 222 personnel deployed across the islands. On the Big Island alone, Guard members are assisting with wide-area search operations, debris clearance and hundreds of community wellness checks in the wake of the storm. Imagery and video of Operation TREK808, including the C-17 uploads in California and downloads in Hilo, are available on the official DVIDS feature page: https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dvidshub.net%2Ffeature%2FTREK808.