JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. – U.S. Air Force aircrews have concluded a large-scale combat readiness exercise, “Palmetto Reach,” designed to test the service’s ability to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in a contested environment. The exercise, which ran from to , involved ten C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and personnel from Joint Base Charleston’s 628th Air Base Wing and 437th Airlift Wing.
Palmetto Reach wasn’t simply a routine training exercise, according to Colonel Jason “JP” Parker, Installation Commander and 628th Air Base Wing Commander. “This is really going to test our ability to identify threats and sustain operations in a contested or degraded environment,” he said. The exercise aimed to “stress-test” the base’s ability to project power and maintain operations, even under pressure.
The exercise saw C-17s flying non-stop missions exceeding 40 hours, simulating the conditions aircrews would face during an actual overseas crisis. The scope of Palmetto Reach extended beyond simply moving aircraft; it encompassed air base defense, global cargo delivery, and forcing teams to operate under significant time constraints. According to reporting, the operation involved deployments to Palau and Saipan, demonstrating the ability to operate from what officials described as “non-operating bases.”
The deployment to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically Palau and Saipan, is particularly noteworthy. The 437th Airlift Wing conducted airdrops, dissimilar formation flights with other aircraft, and engaged in community outreach events during the exercise. This focus on operating from locations like Palau and Saipan reflects a strategic shift towards distributed operations, where the Air Force aims to be less reliant on large, fixed bases that could be vulnerable to attack. As Lt. Col. Dan Holder, 14th Airlift Squadron commander, explained, the goal is to provide a “hub and spoke” model, supporting other branches – fighters, bombers, and tankers – operating from their main bases.
The logistical complexity of Palmetto Reach was substantial. The 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron played a critical role, ensuring that personnel had the necessary resources to complete their missions. Every career field from the Mission Support Group is tasked with supporting our pilots and maintainers by making sure they have everything they need
, stated 1st Lt. John Girtman, assistant installation deployment officer with the squadron. This highlights the interconnectedness of various support functions in enabling rapid global deployment.
While the majority of the C-17s deployed to the Indo-Pacific, three aircraft returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to continue supporting real-world missions. This demonstrates the Air Force’s ability to simultaneously conduct training exercises and maintain ongoing operational commitments. The return of the participating airmen to Joint Base Charleston on marked the conclusion of the main exercise phase.
Palmetto Reach comes as the U.S. Military increasingly focuses on the Indo-Pacific region as a key area of strategic competition. The exercise can be seen as a direct response to the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need to maintain a credible deterrent against potential adversaries. The ability to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in this region is crucial for maintaining stability and protecting U.S. Interests.
The exercise also serves as a test of the Air Force’s ability to operate in a contested environment, where adversaries may attempt to disrupt or deny access to critical infrastructure. Colonel Parker emphasized the importance of identifying and mitigating these threats, ensuring that the base can continue to function effectively even under duress. This focus on resilience and adaptability is a key component of the Air Force’s broader modernization efforts.
The scale of Palmetto Reach – involving eight C-17s initially, and ultimately ten – underscores the importance of airlift capabilities in responding to global crises. The C-17 Globemaster III is a versatile aircraft capable of carrying large payloads over long distances, making it an essential asset for rapid deployment and humanitarian assistance operations. The exercise demonstrated the Air Force’s ability to leverage this capability to project power and respond to contingencies around the world.
The successful completion of Palmetto Reach signals a high level of readiness within the 628th Air Base Wing and 437th Airlift Wing. The exercise provided valuable training and experience for airmen, preparing them for the challenges of operating in a complex and uncertain world. The lessons learned from Palmetto Reach will undoubtedly inform future training exercises and operational planning, ensuring that the Air Force remains prepared to respond to any threat.
