EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. (AFNS) —
Spanning multiple locations, including Guam, Japan and international airspace, the exercise showcases the 188th Wing’s expertise in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR, as well as Agile Combat Employment, or ACE, alongside active-duty forces, other guard units and international partners.
Resolute Force Pacific, or REFORPAC 25, aims to demonstrate rapid deployment and sustained operations in challenging environments. More than 300 aircraft and thousands of service members from the U.S. Air Force, joint partners and allied nations are participating to enhance interoperability, strengthen regional stability and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. The exercise tests critical skills such as combat search and rescue, aircraft operations and distributed logistics, under simulated crisis conditions.
The 188th Wing’s 188th Operations Support Squadron and 184th Attack Squadron will participate ig the exercise. The wing’s aircrews are part of the Mission Control Element, operating MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft. The 188th Wing’s involvement underscores the Air National Guard’s significant role in MQ-9 operations, with guard units from California, Iowa, Ohio and Texas, collaborating alongside their active-component counterparts.
“This is a true ‘one team, one fight’ effort,” said Chewie, one of the 188th Wing’s lead planners who requested his full name not be used.
He highlighted the seamless integration of guard, active-component and allied forces.
“ACE enables us to stay agile, protecting our people and equipment while maintaining ISR and strike capabilities in dynamic environments,” Chewie said.
The 188th Wing’s participation reflects the ANG’s operational relevance and Total Force integration. The wing’s prior experience in major exercises such as Northern Edge 21, Valiant Shield 22 and RIMPAC 22 has prepared it for REFORPAC’s scale and complexity.
“The guard brings a wealth of experience to the table. Flying Razorback aircrews played a significant role in a peer fight in previous exercises,” Chewie said. “My hope is that we can make achievements in this exercise that are as significant as what our aircrews did before. REFORPAC will test our ability to operate over long distances and in challenging conditions.”
The 188th Wing aims to validate ACE concepts, enhance crew skills and strengthen relationships with the other exercise participants. Collaboration is central to the 188th Wing’s efforts. At the tactical level, Arkansas crews work with active-component and joint counterparts, sharing flight plans and shift schedules. At the strategic level, guard personnel coordinate with Indo-Pacific partners to integrate exercise events and address logistical complexities.
For Chewie, REFORPAC 25 sends a powerful message.
“The Arkansas Air National Guard continues to answer our nation’s call. We’re showing our partners that we’re present, interoperable and committed to shared security objectives,” Chewie said. “We’re also demonstrating to any potential adversary that we’re part of a strong, united team.”
The 188th Wing’s crews’ wealth of experience in large-scale exercises will be key to supporting a productive exercise.
“I’m proud to be part of this historic effort,” Chewie said. “It’s a chance to prove our readiness and ensure we’re prepared for any contingency in the Indo-Pacific.”
The 188th Wing will play a pivotal role in exercise Resolute Force Pacific 25, along with U.S. Pacific Air Forces, multinational and joint partners from July 10-Aug. 8, 2025. The exercise will be conducted across several locations throughout the Pacific as part of the Department of the Air Force’s Department-Level Exercise series. (Courtesy graphic)
