LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Team Little Rock wrapped up its participation in STORM FLAG 25-11, a joint training exercise focused on providing an environment to test joint operation capabilities at a large-scale throughout bases located in Arkansas, North Carolina, Kansas and Louisiana, Sept. 7-21, 2025.
STORM FLAG 25-11 launched at Alexandria International Airport, transforming the site into a hub of joint military operations, bringing together Air Mobility Command, reserve units from the 446th Operations Group and 913th Airlift Group, and the U.S. Army.
Joint partners were brought together into a fully integrated training designed to reflect the complexity of deployed combat missions. The program elevates tactical and operational skills by allowing exploration in joint force competencies.
STORM FLAG was conducted by the 34th Combat Training Squadron from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., with a focus on enhancing force effectiveness in airland and airdrop missions. Utilizing units across Little Rock Air Force Base, they were able to support more than 1,000 paratroopers and deliver over 2.5 million pounds of cargo.
The exercise marked the debut of multi-ship KC-135 Stratotanker sorties, paving the way for future involvement by Air Combat Command and fighter aircraft. It also produced the appointment of the first-ever C-17 Globemaster III Exercise Director for the 34th CTS. This reflects the squadron’s commitment to diversifying and expanding its ranks and the aperture for future operations, broadening force capabilities.
“During this two-week rotation, Airmen and Army Soldiers descended into the Joint Readiness Training Center complex of central Louisiana to face a near-peer adversary to seize a contested lodgment, expand combat power, sustain the force and achieve decisive victory,” said Lt. Col. Michael Mckenna, 34th Combat Training Squadron commander.
Collaborating with the Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center, participants trained alongside their counterparts in aeromedical evacuation, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, and aerial refueling operations.
“For more than half of the Air Force participants, it was their first-ever participation in a large exercise,” McKenna said. “Critical lessons were learned by all participants as to how the Joint enterprise interacts together to achieve tactical, operational and strategic objectives.”
Participants implemented the latest tactical data link technology to improve real-time communication and coordination across units. These efforts reinforced the exercise’s core objective of strengthening interoperability across the joint force.
“This exercise brings together units from across AMC to practice rapid global mobility of both people and cargo,” said Col. Allen Morris, 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group commander. “The training is rigorous and plays a critical role in ensuring readiness and effectiveness of U.S. and combined forces.”
With its blend of realism, innovation and collaboration, the exercise sets a new benchmark for integrated military training. As global threats evolve, STORM FLAG remains critical for maintaining a ready and resilient joint force.