Friday, January 9, 2026 l Vol. 51, Number 2
SERVING TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE AND THE MILITARY COMMUNITY OF SOLANO COUNTY
EXERCISE PALE SERPENT Page 3
F-35A LIGHTNING II Page 6
CYCLONE DITWAH AID Page 7
TAILWIND
TRAVIS
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FRIENDSHIP
FESTIVAL
Yasuo Osakabe/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron is parked on the flightline as fireworks light up the night during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2025 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025. The two-day event welcomed tens of thousands
of visitors and provided an opportunity to celebrate and deepen the U.S.-Japan alliance. Through aircraft displays, cultural exchanges and live entertainment, the festival helped strengthen the enduring bonds between Yokota AB and the surrounding communities.
US Air Force updates fitness test requirements Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
bring comfort and a sense of home to service members in Europe, North Africa, India and the Pacific. Although the nickname carried into Vietnam, the mission evolved. Carmichael notes that during her tour, she never actually saw a donut. Assigned forward, Carmichael lived close to combat operations. At first light, she and other Donut Dollies boarded Huey helicopters carrying hot breakfasts to remote
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air Force announced an update to its physical fitness assessment standards and implementation timeline. Changes from the September 2025 announcement include a shortened physical fitness diagnostic testing period to end in June and the option for either the 2-mile run or the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run every six months. “We care about the long-term health of our Airmen and that starts with physical fitness,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “The habits airmen build by working out daily directly impact their quality of life in and out of uniform. I am confident our commanders will continue to implement a culture of fitness so our warfighters are healthy and ready.” The components of the updated bi-annual PFA offer airmen a choice between traditional and alternative exercises: Cardiovascular: 2-mile run or 20-meter HAMR. Strength: One minute of push-ups or two minutes of hand-release push-ups. Core: One minute of sit-ups, two minutes of crossleg reverse crunches, or a timed forearm plank. Body Composition: Waist-to-Height Ratio measurement. From March 1 through June 30, all fitness tests will be diagnostic to provide airmen time to adapt to the new standards. Beginning July 1, the Air Force will resume official testing under the new PFA standards. Fitness testing is currently paused to facilitate the transition to the updated program. Per the Secretary of War’s guidance, PFA scores will be included in officer and enlisted performance briefs beginning in February. The first groups to be affected by this change will be colonels in February, then lieutenant colonels, majors, and chief master sergeants in May. Senior airman EPBs closing out in March will not include PFA scores. The most recent PFA score included on an airman’s performance brief may include tests
See Dolly, Page 3
See Fitness, Page 2
Courtesy photo
Drawn by a mix of adventure and curiosity, Dorner Carmichael volunteered for service in Vietnam as an American Red Cross “Donut Dolly.” Today, Carmichael continues her lifelong
commitment to service through her work with the Red Cross, supporting the U.S. military community in Powidz, Poland, and other overseas locations.
Vietnam-era ‘Donut Dolly’ continues service with Red Cross Sarah Williams U.S. ARMY GARRISON POLAND
POZNAN, Poland — Dorner Carmichael grew up in rural Georgia with a curiosity about the world beyond her hometown. As the Vietnam War escalated and the draft loomed over her male classmates, she graduated from college determined to see more of the world and take part in the events shaping her generation. Carmichael learned about the Red Cross “Donut Dollies” while volun-
teering in college, teaching first aid with her local chapter. Drawn by a mix of adventure, curiosity and a desire to participate in history rather than watch it from a distance, she volunteered for service in Vietnam despite opposition from her mother and skepticism from friends. The term “Donut Dolly” originated during World War II as an affectionate nickname for Red Cross women who staffed club mobiles. Those vehicles were outfitted with coffee and donut machines and phonographs to
TRAVIS/AIR FORCE
2 Friday, January 9, 2026 — TRAVIS TAILWIND
Ring in the savings: Travis AFB Exchange delivers value in 2026 TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE — With more than half of Americans concerned about rising costs in 2026, military shoppers can stretch their budgets at the Travis Exchange. Airmen, military families, retirees and veterans can find America’s best national brands – tax-free with military-exclusive pricing – at the BX and ShopMyExchange.com. The military community can rely on the hard-earned Exchange benefit for everyday savings, keeping. “Saving in 2026 is a resolution we can all get behind,” said Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns. “The hard-earned Exchange benefit helps the military community make smarter spending choices while saving on everyday needs.” Authorized Travis Exchange shoppers can find trusted national brands across all categories, including Apple, Samsung, Bose, Old Navy, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Shiseido and Carter’s. ShopMyExchange. com offers an expanded assortment with 5 million items, including major
appliances from The Home Depot and outdoor gear and apparel from Bass Pro Shops. For 130 years, the Exchange has delivered holistic military community support through department stores, convenience stores, restaurants, mall operations, ecommerce, credit card services, overseas support and more. 100% of Exchange earnings support the Exchange’s unique role in strengthening military communities worldwide generating support for quality-of-life programs. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has provided $15 billion in value for the military community. Honorably discharged veterans are eligible to shop online at ShopMyExchange.com while disabled veterans also have in-store shopping benefits. More information on veterans’ shopping benefits can be found at https://aafes. media/paveterans. Department of War and Coast Guard civilians are also eligible to shop at the Exchange both in store and online. These shoppers can visit https:// aafes.media/cacbene fitspa for more info.
332nd ELRS conducts first hot-pit refuel with R-20 expeditionary refueling system Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss
UNITED STATES AIR FORCES CENTRAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY — For the first time at this location, U.S. airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted a hot-pit refueling operation using an R-20 expeditionary refueling system to support a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on a flightline within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 14, significantly reducing aircraft ground time and expanding expeditionary fueling capabilities. The operation marked
the first use of the R-20 at the base to conduct hot-pit refueling, allowing the helicopter to remain running while taking fuel directly from a bulk fuel bladder rather than a standard R-11 fuel truck. The capability enables faster turnaround times, conserves limited refueling assets and improves mission responsiveness in a deployed environment. “Basically, it allows us to pump straight from the fuel bladder into the aircraft without having to worry about using an R-11,” said Staff Sgt. John Kaelin, 332nd ELRS fuels distribution noncommissioned officer in charge. “If we had to send one or two See R-20, Page 6
Fitness TRAVIS TAILWIND From Page 1
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Militaries from the U.S., Qatar, Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey and France participate in the exercise Ferocious Falcon 6 live-fire demonstration within the U.S. Central
Command area of responsibility, Nov. 20, 2025. Ferocious Falcon 6 is a biennial, Qatar-hosted multinational joint exercise designed to enhance lethality and efficiency.
AFCENT caps 2025 with decisive operations, strengthened bonds U.S. Air Force Central Command Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C — Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) closed out 2025 with a series of decisive victories, sustaining combat airpower against terrorist threats, expanding coalition integration across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, and advancing agile employment and base defense technologies to sharpen readiness and deterrence. From the successful strikes on Houthi targets during Operation Rough Rider to the overnight Bomber Task Force strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer, AFCENT airmen were instrumental in enabling U.S. and Coalition operations that dismantled violent extremist networks and defended regional partners. Operation Rough Rider spanned from March to May 2025 in the maritime and air domains. AFCENT forces were pivotal in supporting ongoing actions against Houthi terrorists who threatened international shipping and partner territory. These U.S. strikes and intercepts, conducted under CENTCOM authorities, disrupted planned launches and destroyed weapon systems, contributing to a safer operating environment across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Following the attack on U.S. and partner forces on Dec. 13, AFCENT airas a readiness metric but as a human being as well,” Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David R. Wolfe said. “When you’re physically healthy, you are not only happier, but in a better position to excel at your job.”
power launched to conduct Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS in Syria, Dec. 19, working with joint and partner forces to strike multiple locations with more than 100 precision munitions. This operation targeted known ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites and was critical to preventing ISIS from inspiring terrorist plots and attacks against the U.S. homeland. Beyond direct counterterrorism, AFCENT airpower contributed to broader deterrence operations, specifically in Operation Midnight Hammer. U.S. leaders highlighted the success of precision strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure – demonstrating integrated planning and long-range reach – while emphatically reinforcing the U.S.’ commitment to regional security and limiting production of weapons of mass destruction. A cornerstone of AFCENT’s strategy in 2025 was the marked advancement of coalition training and integration. Through a series of robust exercises, allied forces solidified their collective defense posture. “Our strength in this region is unequivocally linked to the strength of our partnerships,” said Lt. Gen. Derek France, AFCENT commander. “Exercises like Spears of Victory, Bright Star, and Ferocious Falcon are essential in forging the trust and interoperability that make us a
cohesive and formidable fighting force. We are faster, smarter and more resilient when we train and operate as one team.” The Yellow Sands series further honed layered defenses and c-UAS tactics across the Arabian Peninsula, while Blue Phoenix combat search and rescue training sharpened personnel recovery skills for contested environments. AFCENT also expanded its cooperative reach by participating in the Kyrgyz-led Ak Shumkar 2025 exercise, building interoperability with Central Asian partners alongside Montana Army and Air National Guard. During Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6, U.S., Qatari and allied airmen strengthened integrated air and missile defense and counter–unmanned aerial systems proficiency. To posture forces for speed and survivability, AFCENT continued to lead the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment model through Agile Spartan, distributing combat capabilities across forward locations. This initiative validated sustainment and C2 concepts tailored to the CENTCOM theater. Innovation in base defense also marked the year, as the 332nd Expe-
ditionary Security Forces Squadron launched the first sUAS quadcopter in AFCENT history, expanding organic surveillance options. In a landmark move, CENTCOM and Qatari partners opened a bilateral combined command post for air defense at Al Udeid Air Base – the first of its kind in the Middle East – enhancing shared situational awareness against aerial threats. “The dynamic threats across the CENTCOM AOR demand constant adaptation and a decisive edge,” France said. “This year, our airpower not only neutralized immediate dangers posed by extremist networks but also demonstrated our unyielding commitment to regional stability through advanced deterrence and agile combat employment. We are proving that our capacity to innovate directly translates to our ability to stabilize the region.” AFCENT’s engagements also extended beyond the battlefield, showcasing a deep commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team See AFCENT, Page 5
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Updated fitness score charts incorporating feedback from the field and a thorough review of score distributions
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Senior Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
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AIR FORCE
Dolly From Page 1 firebases. After serving the meals, they moved between artillery, mortar and infantry positions, running fast-paced recreation programs designed to give soldiers a break from the stresses of war. Programs ranged from game-show-style contests focused on baseball, football and basketball to paper airplane competitions and improvised challenges meant to spark laughter and engagement. One program ended with a mechanical challenge that required a member of each team to assemble a carburetor she had checked out from the motor pool. There was always a quiet mechanic in the back; the others called forward. One such soldier later greeted Carmichael on different bases for months, each time asking if she remembered him. She did. By midday, Carmichael and her partner often boarded another helicopter to reach a different base or shifted to jeep runs, adjusting plans as the tactical situation changed within the area of operations. Some of Carmichael’s most vivid memories are not of combat, but of faces. She recalls arriving with another Donut Dolly, Pam, on a firebase shortly after a soldier had been killed in a firefight. The men stood in small clusters, silent and withdrawn. Pam approached one group, introduced herself and asked if anyone was from Georgia. When no one responded, she continued talking until a soldier quietly said he was from Kansas. Pam seized the moment, talking about cornfields and “The Wizard of Oz.” Slowly, others joined in, naming their home states. Within minutes, the men began looking up, sharing photos of dogs, homes and plans for life after the war. In that moment, Carmichael saw how simple human connections could restore a sense of normalcy. Carmichael served as the war wound down, a period marked by declining morale, widespread drug use and increased
tension after college deferments ended in 1971. Many of the soldiers she remembers were barely out of their teens. Those experiences shaped her understanding of service, sacrifice and community, concepts she says she could not fully grasp before Vietnam. Decades later, at a Red Cross convention, a filmmaker asked Carmichael to participate in a documentary about the 627 women who served as Donut Dollies in Vietnam. After years of limited public attention, she agreed. Revisiting those memories on camera was difficult, forcing her to confront experiences she had long buried. She believes those stories matter precisely because they are rarely told. Today, Carmichael continues to serve with the Red Cross in Powidz, Poland. Her work includes delivering emergency messages between service members and their families, supporting resiliency efforts and helping create spaces for rest, education and connection. While she notes that nothing compares to life in a combat zone, the underlying mission remains the same. Showing up when people need support. Carmichael hopes younger generations remember the Donut Dollies as part of a broader history of women’s service, including both those who traveled to war zones and those who served quietly at home caring for families. She believes many of those contributions have gone unrecognized. She encourages service members stationed in Powidz to view their tour as a fixed window of opportunity, offering experiences and perspectives they may not encounter elsewhere. To Carmichael, service is not limited to uniforms or deployments. A meaningful life, she believes, is grounded in compassion and service to others. Even small acts of kindness matter, whether it is a conversation in a grocery store, checking in on a neighbor or offering quiet support. “You don’t have to travel far to serve,” she said. “You just have to start.”
Sarah Williams/U.S. Army Garrison Poland
Dorner Carmichael, a Vietnam-era Red Cross volunteer known as a “Donut Dolly,” is pictured in Powidz, Poland. Carmichael continues her lifelong commitment to service through her work with the American Red Cross, supporting the U.S. military community overseas.
Staff Sgt. Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
Air Force and Army medical personnel transport a simulated casualty into a treatment facility during Exercise Pale Serpent at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti,
Dec. 29, 2025. The exercise provided realistic training to practice delivering life-saving care and executing coordinated emergency response procedures.
Airmen test readiness during Exercise Pale Serpent Staff Sgt. Christian Silvera
406TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti — Airmen assigned to the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, in conjunction with Army, Marine Corps and Navy partners, conducted readiness training at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, during Exercise Pale Serpent, Dec. 26-29, 2025. The joint exercise prepared units to respond to real-world contingencies across East Africa. The exercise placed different 449th elements into parallel training scenarios designed to test how each mission set could operate in a high-tempo environment, from trauma care to aeromedical evacuation. At Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Air Force medical personnel assigned to the 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron treated simulated casualties inside the installation’s medical treatment facility alongside partner medical teams, practicing trauma care, triage and patient stabilization. “Triage took place outside, and then we were assigning casualties into the appropriate rooms,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gracie Livengood, 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, aerospace medical service technician. “The most immediate patients came into the trauma bay, and we treated them while delayed and minimal patients were handled in the other bays.” The scenario forced medics to manage multiple patients at once while working through limited space, equipment and personnel, requiring constant communication and rapid decision-making across the treatment teams.
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TRAVIS TAILWIND — Friday, January 9, 2026 3
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Senior Airman Carl Good/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
An airmen assigned to the 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight adjusts specialized stanchion systems and adjustable wall fixtures during Exercise Pale Serpent at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 29, 2025. “This training helps us get prepared if an actual emergency happens,” Livengood said. “It ensures our skills are up to date, that we’re doing everything properly and that we have the equipment we need to provide the best quality of care.” Livengood said the exercise also highlighted the importance of teamwork in high-stress medical situations. “There are always challenges, especially when we’re relatively shortstaffed for a mass-casualty
exercise,” Livengood said. “But everyone did really well, helping each other out, moving from bed to bed and making sure people were taken care of.” While medical teams trained at Chabelley, aeromedical evacuation personnel assigned to the 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight conducted parallel readiness training at Camp Lemonnier, preparing to move patients from the expeditionary medical facility to higher levels of care.
During Pale Serpent, the 10th EAEF employed its full aeromedical evacuation capability, including a critical care air transport team consisting of a physician, critical care nurse and respiratory therapist, along with two flight nurses and four aeromedical technicians. “Having aeromedical evacuation capabilities in this region is important so we can quickly move patients to a higher echelon of care,” said See Serpent, Page 6
MILITARY
4 Friday, January 9, 2026 — TRAVIS TAILWIND
Marines launch new drone training program Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Claudia Nix
U.S. MARINE CORPS TRAINING AND EDUCATION COMMAND
QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps has launched a training program to rapidly increase the number of small unmanned aircraft system operators for commercial offthe-shelf attack drones. The program, announced in Marine Corps administrative message 624/25, addresses a critical need for standardized training as the service integrates new systems, including the Neros Archer first-personview attack drone and prepares for this significant investment in various drone technologies. This initiative builds on the service’s success over the past few months scaling FPV attack drones across the Fleet Marine Force. It also aligns directly with War Department plans to field tens of thousands, and then hundreds of thousands, of attack drones across service components starting in March and continuing over the next several years. The new framework, created by Training and Education Command, establishes six pilot courses and eight certifications to create a standard for drone
Sgt. Maurion Moore/U.S. Marine Corps file (2025)
Marine Corps riflemen with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), load a simulated warhead onto a Neros Archer first-person view drone during attack drone training on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Nov. 19, 2025. operators across the force. These initiatives are designed to provide foundational skills for a variety of small unmanned aircraft systems.
“We are fielding these courses as pilot programs to move quickly while maintaining our commitment to quality training and safety,” said Marine Corps
Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, commanding general, Training and Education Command. “This allows us to validate all aspects of the training, from prerequi-
sites and instructional methods to resourcing needs and certification standards, ensuring that we refine and perfect the curriculum before it becomes part of our long-term training framework.” Six approved pilot courses will certify Marines while testing instructional methods and curriculum. These courses include training for drone operators, payload specialists and instructors, with specific prerequisites such as simulator experience on Training and Education Command-approved systems. The courses aim to ensure proper integration and supervision of new drone capabilities. The Training and Education Command has also established a process to grant certifications to Marines who have existing qualifications and experience through an exception to policy. Seven organizations are designated as regional training hubs with the authority to immediately begin conducting the pilot courses, including schools within Training and Education Command, 1st Marine Division, 2nd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Marine Forces Special See Marines, Page 5
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TRAVIS TAILWIND — Friday, January 9, 2026 5
Human-machine teaming in battle management is a joint effort Deb Henley
505TH COMMAND AND CONTROL WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Tech. Sgt. Kristen Pittman/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
Senior Airman Atticus Frost, 555th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, gestures to the F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot prior to takeoff during exercise Ferocious Falcon 6 in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 19, 2025. The exercise reinforces and enhances interoperability between U.S. and allied forces in support of CENTCOM objectives including regional security and stability.
AFCENT From Page 2 performed in Qatar’s inaugural international military music and marching festival in Doha, and the AFCENT Band brought live music to audiences across Qatar. This cultural diplomacy reached a high point at Dubai Airshow 2025, where the AFCENT Band’s high-energy daily performances drew regional crowds and transformed the international exhibition into a venue for connection, linking airmen, partners, families and industry leaders. Additionally, AFCENT captivated attendees with aerial demonstrations featuring the F-16 Fighting Falcon amid more than 200 other aircraft including U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II, B-52 Stratofortress and the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon. The displays highlighted the United States’ commitment to regional
Marines From Page 4 Operations Command. Weapons Training Battalion at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, will serve as the interim central hub, responsible for standardizing training, certification and safety across the force. It will consolidate lessons learned and function as the Marine Corps’ focal point for adapting training to emerging platforms, payloads and evolving operational requirements. This effort to scale standardized FPV attack drone training was shaped by lessons from recent certifications, including two Marine Corps attack drone competitions, one in the National Capitol Region and the other in
security and underscored the unmatched capabilities of American air power. “While the hardware and high-tech systems are impressive, the heart of our success is, and always will be, our people,” France said. “Seeing our airmen connect with regional Air Force counterparts and communities, representing the best of America with professionalism and friendship, fills me with immense pride. They are the true ambassadors of our commitment, and it’s their dedication, both on the flight line and in the community, that made every one of this year’s achievements possible.” Across missions and miles, AFCENT airmen and Coalition partners delivered decisive combat effects, deepened vital relationships and elevated readiness in 2025 – ensuring U.S. and partner forces remain ready to deter aggression, defeat threats and secure the skies for the year ahead. Okinawa, Japan. These efforts certified 19 attack drone operators, five attack drone instructors, seven payload specialists, and two payload specialist instructors. In mid-November, the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team also supported the certification of 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Marines, resulting in 14 attack drone operators and 11 payload specialists fully trained, equipped and ready for contingency operations. Over the next few months, the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team, alongside Weapons Training Battalion and regional hubs, will certify hundreds more Marines. By May, all infantry, reconnaissance battalions and littoral combat teams across the Corps will be equipped to employ FPV attack drone capabilities.
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The 2025 series of the Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming marked a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into battle management operations. Through a series of groundbreaking experiments, including the recent DASH 3 iteration, the U.S. Air Force, alongside its coalition partners, Canada and the United Kingdom, tested and refined AI’s potential to enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen interoperability in the face of growing global security challenges. Held at the unclassified location of the Shadow Operations Center-Nellis in downtown Las Vegas, DASH 3 set the stage for this collaboration, led by the Advanced Battle Management System Cross-Functional Team. The experiment was executed in partnership with the Air Force Research Lab’s 711th Human Performance Wing, U.S. Space Force, and the 805th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the ShOC-N, further solidifying the commitment to advancing battle management capabilities for the future.
AI integration into operational decision-making In the third iteration of the DASH series seven teams, six from industry teams and one from the ShOC-N innovation team partnered with U.S., Canadian, and U.K. operators to test a range of decision advantage tools aimed at enhancing the rapid and effective generation of battle course of actions with multiple paths. The goal of a Battle COA is to map sequences of actions that align with the commander’s intent while overcoming the complexities of modern warfare, including the fog and friction of battle. Examples of Battle COAs include recommended solutions for long-range kill chains, electromagnetic battle management problems, space and cyber challenges, or agile combat employment such as rebasing aircraft. U.S. Air Force Col. John Ohlund, ABMS
Airman 1st Class Jennifer Nesbitt/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
Col. Jonathan Zall, Advanced Battle Management System Capability Integration chief, directs airmen and industry partners during the Department of the Air Force’s third ABMS CrossFunctional Team Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming experiment in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 24, 2025. Cross Functional Team lead overseeing capability development, explained the importance of flexibility in COA generation: “For example, a bomber may be able to attack from multiple avenues of approach, each presenting unique risks and requires different supporting assets such as cyber, ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance], refueling, and air defense suppression. Machines can generate multiple paths, supporting assets, compounding uncertainties, timing, and more. Machines provide a rich solution space where many COAs are explored, but only some are executed, ensuring options remain open as the situation develops.” This ability to explore multiple COAs simultaneously allows for faster adaptation to unforeseen challenges and provides operators with diverse strategies to act upon as the situation unfolds. AI’s integration into this process aims to not only speed up the decisionmaking cycle but also increase the quality of the solutions generated.
AI speeds decision advantage The speed at which AI systems can generate actionable recommendations is proving to be a game-changer in the decision-making process. Transitioning from the manual creation of COAs that once took minutes or tens of minutes to producing viable options in just tens of seconds was identified as a radical advantage in combat scenarios. Initial results from the DASH 3 experiment show the power of AI in enabling faster, more effi-
cient decision-making. “AI systems demonstrated the ability to generate multi-domain COAs considering risk, fuel, time constraints, force packaging, and geospatial routing in under one minute,” said Ohlund. “These machine-generated recommendations were up to 90% faster than traditional methods, with the best in machine-class solutions showing 97% viability and tactical validity.” For comparison, human performance in generating courses of action typically took around 19 minutes, with only 48% of the options being considered viable and tactically valid. “This dramatic reduction in time and improvement in the quality of solutions underscores AI’s potential to significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of the decision-making process, while still allowing humans to make the final decisions on the battlefield,” Ohlund added. The ability to quickly generate multiple viable COAs not only improves the speed of decisionmaking but also gives commanders more options to work within a compressed time frame, making AI an essential tool for maintaining a strategic advantage in fast-paced combat situations.
Building trust in AI: From skepticism to confidence Skepticism surrounding the integration of AI in operational decisionmaking was common at the start of the DASH 3 experiment. However, participating operators saw a notable shift in their perspectives as the DASH progressed. U.S. Air Force
First Lt. Ashley Nguyen, 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron DASH 3 participant, expressed initial doubt about the role AI could play in such a complex process. “I was skeptical about technology being integrated into decision-making, given how difficult and nuanced battle COA building can be,” said Nguyen. “But working with the tools, I saw how user-friendly and timesaving they could be. The AI didn’t replace us; it gave us a solid starting point to build from.” As the experiment unfolded, trust in AI steadily increased. Operators, gaining more hands-on experience, began to see the value in the AI’s ability to generate viable solutions at an unprecedented speed. “Some of the AI-generated outputs were about 80% solutions,” said Nguyen. “They weren’t perfect, but they were a good foundation. This increased my trust in the system; AI became a helpful tool in generating a starting point for decision-making.”
Trust and collaboration across nations The collaboration between the U.S. and its coalition partners was highlighted throughout the 2025 DASH series. The inclusion of operators from the UK and Canada brought invaluable perspectives, ensuring that the decision support tools tested could address a broad range of operational requirements. “We understand that the next conflict cannot be won alone without the help of machine teammates and supported by our allies,” See AI, Page 7
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6 Friday, January 9, 2026 — TRAVIS TAILWIND
R-20 From Page 2
Senior Airman Melany Bermudez/U.S. Air Force file photos (2025)
Three F-35A Lightning IIs fly in formation before aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 11, 2025.
Air Force F-35As deliver deterrence at altitude
R-11s out here, it would take away resources we need to support all of our other aircraft.” Kaelin explained that traditional cold refueling for UH-60 helicopters can take up to 75 minutes, including shutdown procedures and system checks. Using the R-20 for hot-pit refueling reduces ground time by 66% and allows aircrews to return to the air faster. “In a deployed setting, the longer it takes for them to get back out, the longer whoever they’re going to help is waiting on them,” Kaelin said. The R-20 also provides significantly greater fueling capacity and flexibility than the R-11. Each R-20 hose can issue fuel at a rate of up to 450 gallons per minute, with dual-hose operations capable of delivering up
to 900 gallons per minute. Unlike the R-11, which carries a maximum of 6,000 gallons, the R-20 connects directly to bulk fuel bladders capable of holding more than 200,000 gallons, enabling multiple aircraft to be refueled simultaneously. “Here we can hit two aircraft at a time, depending on size, and keep the mission going if we need to get sorties in the air,” said Airman 1st Class Samuel Ilet, 332nd ELRS fuels distribution operator. “Deployed, you never know when something could pop off, and they have to go up as soon as possible.” The successful R-20 hot-pit refueling demonstrated the squadron’s ability to rapidly adapt expeditionary fuel operations, ensuring aircraft can launch faster, respond sooner and remain ready when mission demands are at their highest.
Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo
353RD SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan — The runway trembles as Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs surge forward, heat waves dancing behind their engines. The low growl builds to a thunder, echoing across the skies of the Pacific Ocean. At the heart of that power is the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of the Air Force’s fighter rotation program, and prepared to safeguard the skies whenever a mission calls. “Our mission is to ensure air dominance whenever and wherever we’re called,” said Air Force Maj. John Toner, deployed director of operations for the fighter squadron. “Every training event and every sortie strengthens our ability to deliver combat airpower and ensure stability across the Pacific.” However, that readiness isn’t developed overnight. The squadron regularly integrates with F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, refining the ability to generate combat airpower from alternate locations. The squadron also participates in large-scale exercises like Keen Sword, reinforcing interoperability and strengthening the U.S.Japan alliance across the Indo-Pacific region. Working alongside E-3 Sentry aircraft from the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron adds a vital layer of airborne command and control, synchronizing missions across air, land and sea domains.
Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
Airmen with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing prepare to refuel a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 14, 2025.
Serpent From Page 3
An F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 11, 2025. The squadron participates in large-scale exercises like Keen Sword, reinforcing interoperability and strengthening the U.S.–Japan alliance across the Indo-Pacific region. Large-force exercises unite U.S. and Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft in coordinated formations, transforming partnership into combatready power. “We’re getting on the same sheet of music and operating at a common level [of understanding],” said Air Force Capt. Ryan Beveridge, squadron fighter pilot. “Integrating with our allied partners out here has been invaluable. That kind of trust and understanding is what makes deterrence real.” Behind every launch are the airmen of the 18th Wing, whose infrastructure and support ensure that rotating units like the 356th EFS can arrive and be airborne almost immediately, maintaining a seamless and persistent presence in the region. As part of the Pacific Air Forces, the fighter squadron brings the unmatched capabilities of the F-35A: a fifth-generation fighter designed for dominance in
contested environments. Its stealth profile, sensor fusion and advanced electronic warfare systems connect every platform on the battlefield, allowing pilots to see farther, decide faster and act decisively. “The F-35 gives us an edge that extends beyond the jet itself,” Toner said. “It’s a force multiplier that links our forces, amplifying deterrence across the theater.” Operating from Eielson, just south of the Arctic Circle, the 356th trains year-round in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. That experience builds resilience and adaptability, skills that translate directly to deployed operations. The proximity between Alaska and Okinawa allows the squadron to rapidly deploy and sustain missions anywhere in the Pacific. “Deterrence at altitude is built on preparation,” Beveridge said. “Every sortie we fly and every partner we train
with ensures our allies know we’re ready and our adversaries know we’re capable.” From Alaska’s icy ranges to Okinawa’s tropical skies, the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron stands as a symbol of American airpower and commitment that is ready, resilient and relentless in safeguarding peace across the Indo-Pacific.
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AI From Page 5 said Royal Canadian Air Force Capt. Dennis Williams, RCAF DASH 3 participant. “DASH 3 demonstrated the value of these partnerships as we worked together in a coalition-led, simulated combat scenario. The tools we tested are vital for maintaining a decision advantage, and we look forward to expanding this collaboration in future DASH events.” This integration of human-machine teaming and coalition participation highlighted the potential for improving multinational interoperability in the command-and-control battlespace. “The involvement of our coalition partners was crucial, not just for the success of DASH 3 but also for reinforcing the alliances that underpin global security. DASH experimentation is intentionally a low barrier for entry from a security classification standpoint, enabling broad participation from allies and coalition partners alike,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shawn Finney, commander of the 805th Combat Training Squadron/ShOC-N.
Addressing challenges: Weather and AI hallucinations The DASH 3 experiment was not just a test of new AI tools, but a continuation of a concerted effort to tackle persistent challenges, including the integration of weather data and the potential for AI “hallucinations.” These issues have been focus areas throughout the DASH series, with each iteration bringing new insights and refinements to ensure AI systems are operationally effective. Weather-related challenges are a critical factor in real-world operations, but due to simulation limitations, they were not fully integrated in the DASH series. Instead, weatherrelated challenges were manually simulated by human operators through ‘white carding’, a method that provided scenariobased weather effects, such as airfield closures or delays, into the experiment. “We didn’t overlook the role of weather,” explained Ohlund. “While it wasn’t a primary focus of this experiment, we fully understand its operational impact and are committed
to integrating weather data into future decision-making models.” The risk of AI hallucinations, instances where AI produces incorrect or irrelevant outputs, particularly when using large language models, was another challenge tackled during the DASH 3 experiment. Aware of this potential issue, the development teams took proactive steps to design AI tools that minimized the risk of hallucinations and organizers diligently monitored the outputs throughout the experiment. “Our team didn’t observe hallucinations during the experiment, underscoring the effectiveness of the AI systems employed during the experiment,” said Ohlund. “While this is a positive outcome, we remain vigilant about the potential risks, particularly when utilizing LLMs that may not be trained on military-specific jargon and acronyms. We are actively refining our systems to mitigate these risks and ensure AI outputs are reliable and relevant.”
Looking ahead: Building trust in AI for future operations As the U.S. Air Force moves forward with the 2026 series of DASH experiments, the lessons learned from 2025 iterations will serve as a crucial foundation for future efforts. The growing trust in humanmachine collaboration, the strengthening of international partnerships, and the continuous refinement of AI tools all point to a future where AI plays an integral role in operational decision-making. “The 2025 DASH series has established a strong foundation for future experiments, with the potential to further expand AI’s role in battle management,” said Ohlund. “By continuing to build trust with operators, improve AI systems, and foster international cooperation, the U.S. and its allies are taking critical steps toward ensuring they are prepared to address the evolving challenges of modern warfare.” “This is just the beginning,” said Williams. “The more we can integrate AI into the decision-making process, the more time we can free up to focus on the human aspects of warfare. These tools are key to staying ahead of our adversaries and maintaining peace and stability on a global scale.”
Airman 1st Class Jennifer Nesbitt/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
Col. John Ohlund, ABMS CFT director, briefs airmen and industry partners during the Department of the Air Force’s third ABMS CFT DASH experiment in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 24, 2025.
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Senior Airman Jacob Wood/U.S. Air Force file photos (2025)
U.S. and Sri Lankan servicemembers unload supplies at Jaffna International Airport, Sri Lanka, Dec. 8, 2025.
US delivers critical Cyclone Ditwah aid to Sri Lanka Staff Sgt. Wren Fiontar PACIFIC AIR FORCES PUBLIC AFFAIRS
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — U.S. military forces delivered critical disaster relief to Sri Lanka following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on November 28. The U.S. response leveraged the rapid deployment capabilities of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific by delivering a pair of C-130J Super Hercules carrying 79 personnel and relief supplies to conduct critical logistical support to communities isolated by the storm, allowing mainstay relief efforts to focus on areas easier to reach. The deployers spent a week conducting 12 C-130J airlift sorties from Katunayake Air Base, delivering 377,150 pounds of aid to the hardest-hit regions that included Ampara, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Mattala, Ratmalana and Trincomalee. Caches of food, drinking water, shelters, emergency first-aid items and communications equipment. “Our ability to rapidly deploy and provide immediate assistance is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander. “By working closely with our Sri Lankan counterparts, we were able to support relief efforts for communities affected by the cyclone and deliver critical assistance where it was needed most. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to saving
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U.S. and Sri Lankan servicemembers unload humanitarian supplies at Jaffna International Airport, Sri Lanka, Dec. 8, 2025. Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft traveled to several locations within Sri Lanka to provide supplies to those affected by Tropical Cyclone Ditwah. lives and supporting one another in times of need.” Cyclone Ditwah displaced 205,238 people, caused 644 fatalities, and over 175 remain missing (as of Dec. 31). At its peak, 1.2 million people needed humanitarian aid in the wake of the natural disaster. The rapid deployment effort was made possible due to a recent landmark defense agreement between Sri Lanka and the United States that formalized coopera-
tion under the U.S. State Department Partnership Program. That new partnership realized its first real-world activation when the U.S. issued a $2.1 million humanitarian relief package within 72 hours following the cyclone’s landfall. This package was delivered in the form of critical airlift and logistics equipment, such as fuel trucks, forklifts, lights, generators, parts and portable cargo-loaders that rein-
forced the Sri Lankan Air Force’s ability to rapidly receive, fuel, power, load and move relief supplies 24 hours a day. The forward presence and ready posture of U.S. military forces in the IndoPacific region was pivotal to the rapid and effective response to this cyclone. Foreign Disaster Relief actions demonstrate the continued commitment by the United States to its allies and partners when called upon to act during times of crisis.
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