In control: Training push ensures skies are safe during REFORPAC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Audree Campbell
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) --  

The 36th Operations Support Squadron trained Airmen from Pacific Air Forces and the 139th Operations Support Squadron on a tower simulation system for exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Andersen Air Force Base. 
 

Exercise REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more deterrent force. 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 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

Airmen from the 36th Operations Support Squadron stand in front of a tower simulation system during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 14, 2025. Exercise REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more deterrent force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)
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The training was designed to certify air traffic controllers in four different roles to support REFORPAC, effectively increasing ATC manpower by 50%. 
 
Exercise REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more deterrent force. 
Exercise REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more deterrent force. 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 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

A tower simulation system simulates an aircraft crash and is used to help air traffic controllers to safely practice skills and procedures in real-time before exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 14, 2025. Exercise REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more deterrent force. 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 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)
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“This training is important because they are receiving FAA certifications,” said Tech. Sgt. River Shank, 36th OSS non-commissioned officer in charge of air traffic control training and standardization. “Without these certifications, the Airmen would not be able to help man the tower for REFORPAC and we would likely need to curtail hours for the exercise.” 

The tower simulation system recreates an approximation of Andersen AFB’s flightline. This feature was integral to flightline familiarization and real-time hands-on training to potential real-life scenarios on location. 
 
As the largest-ever contingency response, training military members to maintain readiness and execute missions under stress, with more than 400 aircraft involved, it was imperative air traffic control Airmen confidently handled the influx of airfield activity. 
 
Exercise REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more deterrent force. 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 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)

Staff Sgt. Joshua Huan, air traffic control watch supervisor for the 36th Operations Support Squadron, supervises control positions in an ATC tower during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 14, 2025. Exercise REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more ready deterrent force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Audree Campbell)
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Trainees completed their certifications in preparation for the exercise, which empowered them to ensure airborne and ground vehicles safely stay clear of one another averting aircraft and flightline mishaps. 

“REFORPAC is very important for ATC because it challenges us in ways we typically don’t see every day, allowing us to grow as controllers,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Haun, 36th OSS air traffic control watch supervisor. 
 
As of July 30, the tower controlled over 1,600 total military approaches onto Andersen AFB during the exercise and continues to support it.