The completion of the historic Agile Reaper 24-1 exercise on April 16, 2024, marked a monumental step forward in the United States Air Force’s (USAF) capability to swiftly project combat air power across the Indo-Pacific. This wing-led event, managed by the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), witnessed the largest and most combat-representative training scenario to date. It pushed the boundaries of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) in the region, successfully deploying and operating the state-of-the-art F-22 Raptor at five Pacific locations in a single week.
Col. Kevin Jamieson, the commander of the 3rd AEW, proudly stated, “We accomplished a lot of firsts in this iteration of Exercise Reaper, and this has been our most combat-representative training scenario to date.” His remarks underscore the significance of the exercise, which culminated in an efficient redeployment of over 700 personnel after an intense period of testing new tactics and procedures.
A notable highlight was the landing and launching of two F-22 Raptors from Iwo To, Japan, an island steeped in WWII history. “It was an honor to set foot on the island… I think everyone in attendance would agree that the feeling on the ground was indescribable,” said 1st Lt. Laura Lee, expressing the sentiment of the participants and the gravity of this achievement.
Furthermore, the exercise incorporated novel approaches such as a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) for the F-22s in Guam, marking a first for the 3rd AEW at Andersen Air Force Base. These advancements were partly thanks to the Scientist and Engineer Demand Force Team from the Air Force Research Lab, which provided innovative solutions and enhanced the exercise’s effectiveness. “We bring a lot of technical and tactical flexibility to the battlefield,” declared 1st Lt. Garrett Demeyer, emphasizing the adaptability and technological edge this team offers.
The presence of distinguished visitors, including Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, underscored the significance of the exercise and the USAF’s commitment to evolving combat strategies. Schneider remarked, “Exercises like Agile Reaper demonstrate that in the Pacific, our forces are agile, maneuverable, and lethal.” This visit provided an invaluable firsthand understanding of the cutting-edge tactics and readiness of the forces.
The Agile Reaper 24-1 exercise not only showcased the USAF’s enhanced capability to operate across the Pacific but also reinforced the Air Force Force Generation certifying training requirement, preparing forces for future high-end conflicts. In doing so, it established a new model for force deployment, pivoting from traditional entrenched bases to a more sustainable model emphasizing mobility and efficiency.
As the USAF adapts to an ever-changing global security landscape, exercises like Agile Reaper 24-1 prove to be invaluable in preparing the U.S. military to deter any aggression and maintain a state of readiness. This event set a new precedent for future military exercises, embodying Col. Jamieson’s belief that “if we train our Airmen in combat-representative scenarios and resource them appropriately, our team will be ready to deter any aggression in the Indo-Pacific.”
Relevant articles:
– Agile Reaper 24-1 ends with historic firsts, DVIDS
– Innovative solutions enhance Exercise AR 24-1, maximizing Air Force kill chain, Pacific Air Forces
– PACAF leadership, coalition, joint leaders visit Agile Reaper 24-1, Pacific Air Forces
– Tinian FOS serves as power projection platform during Exercise Agile Reaper 24-1, PACOM