The Department-Level Exercise highlighted how U.S. and coalition C2 forces operated across live, virtual, and constructive domains. Activities connected real-world operations at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Camp Smith with distributed scenarios at Kirtland Air Force Base and synthetic task forces generated by the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field.
“Using virtual assets, the 505th Command and Control Wing roughly doubled the scope and scale of the live-fly element while providing theater-representative problem sets for the 613th Air Operations Center and the AFFOR [Air Force Forces] staff,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Hayde, 505th CCW commander. The Distributed Mission Operations Center also linked tactical C2 units, simulators, and recovery assets into the wider exercise environment.
Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Army personnel integrated with U.S. C2 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Camp Smith. They coordinated joint air and maritime operations, synchronised all-domain fires, and managed live operational missions with the 613th AOC and theatre leadership.
“Bamboo Eagle was an enlightening insight into the conduct of strategic level planning, to operational/tactical execution of very complex multi-domain missions within the USINDOPACOM theatre,” said RAAF Group Capt. Jeremy Feldhahn. “There were some great lessons in the command and control of these types of missions, when considering the vast distances, logistical challenges, and degraded communications.”
“This exercise showed that integration isn’t just about sharing airspace, it’s about sharing decisions,” said Hayde. “U.S. and coalition officers worked side by side making operational calls that directly impacted joint air and maritime operations.”
The exercise marked the first time the Royal Air Force embedded Combat Air, Non-Kinetic Effects, and Space experts from the U.K. Air and Space Warfare Centre into the 613th AOC. “I’m thrilled the RAF can now play a pivotal role in this specific planning environment at the joint level of warfare,” said RAF Wing Commander Richard Kinniburgh. “This is an important first step toward routinely providing non-U.S. solutions for joint planners.”
Australian Defence Force specialists also contributed to the Joint Battle Watch for the first time. “Air Command and Headquarters Joint Operations Command involvement in Bamboo Eagle was excellent and provided opportunities to practice high-end planning and execution with our INDOPACOM peers,” said RAAF Wing Commander Stuart McLean.
Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Air Force teams added further support through virtual and constructive training. “Bamboo Eagle 25-3 provided the opportunity to integrate an RAF EAW [Expeditionary Air Wing] in direct support for U.S. Air Force-led coalition operations,” said RAF Wing Commander Mark Still. He added that RAF and U.K. Air and Space Warfare Centre personnel ensured virtual sorties were integrated effectively into operational command structures.
Hayde emphasised the importance of coalition participation: “Embedding coalition leaders ensures their assets and capabilities are fully integrated. When allied officers inform operational decisions, we strengthen trust, use every platform effectively, and build the speed and confidence needed to act as one team in combat.”
The exercise, part of U.S. Air Force Warfare Center and Air Combat Command training, prepares U.S. and allied forces for contested Indo-Pacific operations. “Coalition strength comes from shared decisions and shared responsibilities. Bamboo Eagle strengthens that bond so our nations can face future challenges together,” said Hayde.
Bamboo Eagle 25-3 concluded with preparations for Bamboo Eagle 26-1 in February, where U.S. and allied forces will expand scenarios and build on lessons learned. By integrating tactical and operational C2 across live, virtual, and constructive environments, the series aims to reinforce readiness and multinational cooperation in the region.
