Thousands of Airmen have poured into the Indo-Pacific region over the past few weeks for Resolute Force Pacific 2025, the Air Force’s largest-ever contingency-response exercise in the region. running July 10-Aug. 8.
REFORPAC, as the service calls the exercise, began July 10 and runs through Aug. 8. Officials have said it features more than 300 aircraft, making it one of the biggest exercises in recent Air Force history.
Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin first announced the major Pacific exercise in February 2024, and planning started shortly thereafter. The event’s size and scale can be seen in all the different types of aircraft involved and the wide range of locations they’re operating from.
Air & Space Forces Magazine has compiled photos and a map showcasing them all:
Hawaii
Many aircraft passed through Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on their way to the western Pacific. Those included KC-135s, a C-17, and D.C. Air National Guard F-16s.
U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers and a C-17 Globemaster III sit on the flightline at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, in support of Resolute Force Pacific 25, July 13, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 350 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mark Sulaica)
A row of U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the D.C. Air National Guard’s 121st Fighter Squadron sit on the flight line at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during Resolute Force Pacific, July 11, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 350 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody Bordeaux)
Guam
Andersen Air Force Base on Guam is a major hub for the exercise. F-35s from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska; F-22s from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson; and F-16s from the D.C. Air Guard have operated out of Andersen.
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, takes flight in support of a Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 21, 2025. The United States demonstrates its unwavering commitment to allies and partners through the global presence and actions of its military forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alyssa Bankston)
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, takes flight in support of a Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 21, 2025. The BTF missions help to deter adversaries, assure allies and partners, strengthen interoperability, maintain readiness, and ensure the ability to operate anytime, and anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alyssa Bankston)
A KC-46 Pegasus aircraft assigned to the 64th Air Refueling Squadron, Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, taxis on the runway during the U.S. Air Force’s 2025 Department-Level Exercise series at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 18, 2025. The 64th ARS is a geographically separated unit assigned to the 22nd Operations Group at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas and demonstrates the USAF’s role in executing rapid global mobility. The DLE series encompasses all branches of the Department of Defense, along with Allies and partners, employing more than 400 joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 personnel across more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh)
Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., prepare to take off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 21, 2025, to participate in a flyover for the 81st Liberation Day Parade. The parade celebrated U.S. forces liberating Guam during World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Alison McDonald, a pilot assigned to the 41st Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, performs a preflight engine inspection on a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft before a free-fall jump and a simulated Sea Rescue Kit delivery during the U.S. Air Force’s 2025 Department-Level Exercise series at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 18, 2025. Air Mobility Command, through global airlift capabilities, enables direct airdrop support to survivors and victims in emergency situations, often during operations in forward areas, enhancing the U.S. Air ForceÕs ability to conduct global operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tyler McQuiston)
A U.S. D.C. Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 121st Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, lands at North West Field on Guam during exercise Resolute Force Pacific in Guam, July 18, 2025. The REFORPAC exercise is designed to deliver Air Force capabilities to the Indo-Pacific region at speed and scale, then demonstrate the ability to command and control agile combat employment operations across more than six time zones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raina Dale)
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft takes off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of the U.S. Air Force’s 2025 Department-Level Exercise series, July 12, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jade M. Caldwell)
Airmen from the 243rd Combat Airfield Operations Squadron and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force personnel from the 2nd Contingency Response Team watch a JASDF C-130H Hercules aircraft land at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during the Air Force’s 2025 Department-Level Exercise series, July 16, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dalton Williams)
Maj. Shaun Morrison, 64th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, flies a KC-46 Pegasus aircraft toward the runway at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during the U.S. Air Force’s 2025 Department-Level Exercise series, July 18, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh)
So have B-52s from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., which are visiting Guam for a bomber task force rotation. On the mobility side, KC-46s from the New Hampshire Air National Guard and C-130s from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, are launching training missions out of Andersen as well.
Japan
Three U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopters assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing, New York Air National Guard, are parked on the flight line during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 16, 2025. The 106th Rescue Wing serves as a real-world rescue asset in support of REFORPAC, a first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise involving more than 400 joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Technical Sgt. Sean Madden)
A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing, New York Air National Guard, taxis for takeoff during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 18, 2025. The 106th Rescue Wing serves as a real-world rescue asset in support of REFORPAC, a first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise involving more than 400 joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Technical Sgt. Sean Madden)
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 35th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron carry a simulated patient to a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules for a bilateral aeromedical evacuation training event during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 23, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 350 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)
A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron takes off during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 17, 2025. REFORPAC validates Pacific Air Forces’ capacity to lead large-scale, multinational contingency operations with more than 12,000 personnel and 400 aircraft being mobilized. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)
A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II assigned to 102nd Rescue Squadron is used for a cross-unit static display and capability exchange during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, July 15, 2025. REFORPAC enhances interoperability, strengthens our militaries, and demonstrates our collective commitment to maintaining regional stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 730th Air Mobility Squadron signals a U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft to stop during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 16, 2025. Mobility aircraft provide critical airlift and air refueling, capabilities to project, connect, maneuver, and sustain the Joint Force during the REFORPAC and the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
A U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing taxis in during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 16, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
Two U.S. Air Force F-35 Lighting II’s assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron prepare to land during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 15, 2025. REFORPAC tests agile combat employment, logistics resilience and partner integration through degraded communications and real-time force dispersal drills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Russell)
A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lighting II flies during exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 15, 2025. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Russell)
A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, offloads cargo in support of exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 11, 2025. Mobility aircraft provide critical airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation and command and control to project, connect, maneuver and sustain the Joint Force during the Department-Level Exercise Department of the Air Force series, including REFORPAC. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Russell)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Quincy Mendoza, 35th Maintenance Squadron transient alert craftsmen, marshals in a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules in support of exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 10, 2025. REFORPAC spans multiple across the Pacific, sharpening the USAF’s ability to rapidly deploy, sustain operations and project airpower in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Adam Tristram, 36th Airlift Squadron air transportation cargo unloader, directs a K-loader truck towards a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules for cargo offloading in support of exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 10, 2025. REFORPAC tests agile combat employment, logistics resilience and partner integration through degraded communications and real-time force dispersal drills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)
Misawa Air Base, located in northern Japan, is another of the exercise’s hubs. Among the visiting airframes are:
- F-16s from the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa’s host unit
- F-35s from the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah
- HH-60Ws and an HC-130J from the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing
- A C-5M from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, Del.
- A C-17 from the Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing
- A C-130J from 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan
- An MC-130J from the 353rd Special Operations Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan
Yokota Air Base, near Tokyo, has hosted KC-135 tankers from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing.
CV-22 Ospreys have also joined the exercise with flights over the Sea of Japan. The Ospreys are part of Yokota’s 353rd SOW.
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 17, 2025, in support of Department-Level Exercise 2025 as part of the 374th Air Expeditionary Wing. The DLE is the first-in-a-generation series of exercises encompassing all branches of the Department of Defense, along with Allies and partners, over 350 joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Samantha White)
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft parks on the flight line at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 17, 2025, in support of Department-Level Exercise 2025 as part of the 374th Air Expeditionary Wing. Through this DLE, the Department of the Air Force is preparing to be a stronger, more lethal deterrent force, to provide an advantage against competitors and adversaries across all domains, and to ensure regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Samantha White)
Japanese contractors assemble the frame of a tent in preparation for exercise Resolute Force Pacific 25 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 2, 2025. REFORPAC is the largest-ever Air Force contingency response exercise in the Pacific and is a significant demonstration of multilateral cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Samantha White)
A U.S. Airman signals a CV-22 Osprey from an MC-130J Commando II, assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing, during an aerial refueling mission as part Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 over the Sea of Japan, July 15, 2025. Through engagements like REFORPAC, Air Force Special Operations Command improves our ability to work together with our allies and partners and build our collective strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristine Legate)
U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing fly an MC-130J Commando II during a tilt-rotor air-to-air refueling mission in support of Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025 over the Sea of Japan, July 15, 2025. By combining strategic airpower deployment, cutting-edge capabilities, rigorous training, and an unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, REFORPAC showcases the United States Air Force’s unprecedented scale and speed in responding to any contingency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristine Legate)
U.S. Air Force CV-22 Ospreys assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing approach an MC-130J Commando II to perform tilt-rotor air-to-air refueling over the Sea of Japan as part of exercise Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) 2025, July 15, 2025. REFORPAC tests logistics resilience, equipment readiness, and joint integration to ensure mission success in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristine Legate)
The event has used installations belonging to other branches of the U.S. armed forces, too: Naval Air Facility Atsugi, not far from Yokota, hosted KC-135s from the 18th Wing at Kadena. Meanwhile, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in southern Japan has hosted F-16s from the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard; a C-130J from Yokota; and a C-17 from the 437th Airlift Wing out of Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
To date, the Air Force has not published any photos of aircraft at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, just 100 miles away from Taiwan.
Tinian, Saipan, and Palau
A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 176th Fighter Squadron, Wisconsin National Guard, taxis during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Palau International Airport, Palau, July 18, 2025. REFORPAC prepares USAF forces to respond swiftly and effectively to Indo-Pacific challenges by enhancing partnerships, sharpening capabilities, and strengthening regional security to protect joint interests. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing taxi on the flightline during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, July 17, 2025. REFORPAC is part of a first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt)
U.S. Air Force “Zumro” tents set up by U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, July 19, 2025. REFORPAC is part of a first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing conducts aerial maneuvers during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, July 17, 2025. REFORPAC demonstrates U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability with our allies and partners, advancing common interests, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing taxis on the flightline prior to take-off during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, July 19, 2025. REFORPAC is part of a first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing conducts aerial maneuvers during exercise Resolute Force Pacific in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, July 19, 2025. REFORPAC demonstrates U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability with our allies and partners, advancing common interests, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt)
U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing prepare F-22 Raptors for take-off on the flightline during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, July 19, 2025. The REFORPAC exercise is part of a first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt)
Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors, assigned to the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing, taxi on Saipan in support of the Pacific Air Forces Community Day on Saipan during exercise Resolute Force Pacific on Saipan Northern Mariana Islands, July 21, 2025. Exercise REFORPAC demonstrates U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability with our allies and partners, advancing common interests, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Jeremiah Robinson)
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-130H Super Hercules lands during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Palau International Airport, Palau, July 18, 2025. REFORPAC is the largest-ever Air Force contingency-response exercise in the Pacific and fosters enhanced interoperability between U.S. forces and allied partners to ensure regional stability and defense. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams
F-22 fighter jets based out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, flying as part of the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing, have operated from Tinian and Saipan, a pair of tiny isles that are part of the Northern Mariana Islands. Local media outlets reported that troops will also train on the island of Rota.
The Air Force has spent tens of millions of dollars on Tinian, in particular, to rehabilitate its World War II airfield.
About 500 miles away, F-35s from the Wisconsin Air National Guard flew from Palau, another small island.
The post PHOTOS: From F-22s to CV-22s, the Aircraft of REFORPAC appeared first on Air & Space Forces Magazine.
Air, Andersen Air Force Base, exercise, Guam, Hickam Air Force Base, Japan, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Misawa Air Base, Palau, REFORPAC, Resolute Force Pacific, Saipan, Tinian, Training, Yokota Air Base
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