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Maj. Gen. Gerald A. Donohue, Air Mobility Command strategic deterrence and nuclear integration director of operations, poses for a photo at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Jan. 22, 2025. Donohue leads efforts to modernize AMC’s airlift capabilities, ensuring the command is prepared to operate in contested and dynamic environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Delano Scott)

  For more than 60 years, the Air Force's airlift fleet has been a critical component of global power projection, a force multiplier empowering rapid deployment, force generation, sustainment and joint operations. Given this contested environment and the modernization of adversaries’ capabilities, the Air Force is being intentional about ensuring its fleet is prepared to face future challenges.

  “Tactical and strategic airlift are foundational to how we project power,” said Maj. Gen. Gerald Donohue, Air Mobility Command strategic deterrence and nuclear integration director of operations. “Modernizing these capabilities will enable us to respond to crises quickly, sustain joint forces and operate in contested environments.”
 

  The Air Force is applying cutting-edge technologies to counter emerging threats. Investments include integrating autonomous systems, improving communication networks and creating more survivable platforms. These advances not only fulfill existing operational needs but also allow the Air Force to stay ahead of its opponents. 

  “In dynamic and contested environments, adaptability is key,” said Capt. Christopher Gullo, 29th Weapons Squadron C-130 weapons officer. “All of these aspects of modernized airlift capabilities provide us the ability to operate against capable adversaries and still accomplish our mission.” 

  Realistic testing of these innovations must take place, which exercises such as Mobility Guardian and Bamboo Eagle are designed to provide. By simulating high-tempo operations, these events guarantee the Air Force’s capability to respond to global needs. 
 
 

Capt. Christopher Gullo, 29th Weapons Squadron C-130 weapons officer, sits on the ramp of a C-130J Super Hercules at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., Jan. 22, 2025. Gullo specializes in developing advanced tactics and techniques for airlift operations in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Delano Scott)

  Lessons learned through real-world operations inform the Air Force’s modernization efforts. For instance, air mobility assets were critical, facilitating the safe movement of more than 124,000 individuals in 17 days during the 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan. More recently, humanitarian missions, including delivering relief supplies to Turkey after catastrophic earthquakes, highlight the flexibility of the airlift fleet. 

  “Our ability to deploy and sustain forces worldwide, whether for combat, humanitarian relief, or evacuation operations, demonstrates the critical role of airlift,” Donohue said. “We are carrying our lessons forward to inform how we develop future capabilities and remain ready for any mission.”

Maj. Joseph Burmeister, 19th Operations Support Squadron chief of tactics, poses for a photo at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., Jan. 22, 2025. As chief of tactics, Burmeister develops and implements strategies to enhance airlift capabilities in dynamic and contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Delano Scott)

  To maximize future capabilities, modernization includes training Airmen to be able to utilize these advanced systems to their fullest extent. Exercises such as Mobility Guardian give Airmen the opportunity to hone tactics and improve on interoperability with joint and allied forces. 

  “These exercises are essential,” said Maj. Joseph Burmeister, 19th Operations Support Squadron chief of tactics. “It permits us to affirm our tactics, strengthen our partnerships and prepare to execute in any situation.” 

  Airmen are trained to respond with agility within a dynamic environment, Capt. Matthew Frizzell, 29th Weapons Squadron C-130 weapons officer, said. “Our exercises mimic the pressure-cooker situations we may encounter on actual missions. This simulated practice helps to make sure that when we’re asked to do something, we not only can do it, but we are confident in doing so.” 

 

  In addition to modernizing its airlift capacity, the Air Force is also looking at operational concepts such as Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and the Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model. These initiatives boost the service’s capacity to respond to dynamically changing situations. 

  “These efforts enable us to operate more nimbly and resiliently,” Donohue said. “By modernizing our fleet and optimizing how we do business, we are building a force that is able to meet tomorrow’s challenges.”  

  Modernizing the Air Force’s airlift fleet is not merely an exercise in capability maintenance; it is a critical factor in ensuring that the United States has the necessary resources to project power, at great distance, globally. 

  “Modernizing airlift keeps us on the cutting edge, being able to quickly deploy forces and sustain them in contested environments,” Frizzell said. “It’s about being proactive for whatever is to come.” 

  The future of the Air Force will be built on innovation, training and solidifying the great work of its Airmen. All things considered, as the world continues to challenge U.S. influence, the service’s focus on modernization and readiness is sure to ensure airlift stays a key supporter of global power projection.  

 

Capt. Matthew Frizzell, 29th Weapons Squadron C-130 weapons officer, poses for a photo in front of a C-130J Super Hercules at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., Jan. 22, 2025. Frizzell applies his expertise in tactical airlift operations to enhance mission readiness and adaptability in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Delano Scott)