Representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, South Korea, Canada, Australia, France, and Japan attended the event. They were given briefings on key operational areas such as command and control, logistics coordination, and strategic planning.
“This exercise definitely presents us with a good opportunity to train in an environment that we don’t have in Canada,” said Royal Canadian Air Force Major Robbie Hindle, from 8 Operations Support Squadron. Hindle added, “Learning how information is flowing, and learning the structure of the exercise, will help me to be able to return home and talk about what training we might be able to tie into different phases.”
The IOP forms part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation and interoperability among U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. By observing REFORPAC operations, participants gained insight into multi-national solutions to challenges such as Agile Combat Employment.
“Bringing our international partners to Hawaii offered a unique opportunity to engage directly with PACAF leadership, experience our mission in action and strengthen multilateral ties,” said U.S. Air Force Major Yasmin Fernandez, European Nations Country Director and IOP organiser. She stressed that the setting promoted operational understanding and mutual trust between participating nations.
The programme underlines the U.S. commitment to maintaining regional stability and security through close collaboration with partner forces. It also provides a platform for nations to explore future integration in upcoming REFORPAC exercises.
