19th AW strengthens joint, multinational partnerships during JPMRC 25-02 Published Feb. 6, 2025 By Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The 19th Airlift Wing recently participated in the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) 25-02 exercise, a large-scale combat training operation held across Alaska from Jan. 17-25, 2025. JPMRC 25-02 is the U.S. Army’s newest Combat Training Center and is designed to test joint and multinational forces in realistic, austere conditions that replicate operational environments they may encounter in future conflicts. The 19th Airlift Wing’s participation underscored its commitment to strengthening interoperability, demonstrating expeditionary capabilities, and supporting the joint force in the Indo-Pacific region. "As we compete and prepare to respond to crises or conflicts, we have to conduct exercises like this so we’re ready," said U.S. Army Col. Jimmy Howell, commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division. During the exercise, the 19th AW’s C-130Js facilitated critical airlift missions, including the transportation of personnel, equipment, and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) as part of Rapid Infiltration (HIRAIN) operations. These efforts demonstrated the wing’s capability to rapidly deploy and sustain forces in extreme Arctic conditions. JPMRC 25-02 included participation from U.S. Marine Corps’ 1st Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, Marine Air Control Squadron 6 (MASS-6), and supporting aircraft from across the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, the exercise featured multinational partners, including the Canadian and Mongolian armies, reinforcing the importance of coalition training and cooperation. "Training with our joint and allied partners is critically important. We can’t execute operations alone - we need everyone’s cooperation to accomplish the mission," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Graves, 61st Airlift Squadron loadmaster. By conducting a joint forcible entry (JFE) and airdrop operations, the 19th AW validated its role in providing strategic mobility and highlighted the interoperability and combat effectiveness of joint and multinational forces. "As the 61st AS, we provide the initial airlift for their deployment into a simulated combat theater of operations and sustain them so they can continue operating," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Whalen, 19th AW JPMRC contingent mission commander. With approximately 10,000 service members participating, JPMRC 25-02 provided an unparalleled training opportunity, ensuring that U.S. and allied forces remain combat-ready. The 19th AW’s involvement highlighted its commitment to rapid global mobility and its ability to adapt to evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific theater. We’ve been preparing for this exercise for months, refining our operations and coordination," said Howell. "Six air squadrons, the Base Defense Group and the Contingency Response Group all came together for JPMRC. It was a total-force effort and a great operation.” Throughout the exercise, the 19th AW remained focused on strengthening partnerships, enhancing operational capabilities and preparing for future conflicts. Through rigorous training and joint operations, the wing continued to play a pivotal role in ensuring U.S. airpower remained agile, responsive, and effective in any environment.