Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tristan Viglianco | Members of the 217 Air Operations Group of the Michigan Air National Guard pose for a...... read more read more
Subscribe
The 152nd Air Operations Group located in Syracuse, New York and the 217th Air Operations Group located in Battle Creek, Michigan recently showcased the scalability of distributed operations during exercises RAMSTEIN FLAG 24 and STEADFAST DUEL 24. These exercises validated the ability to provide operational support remotely, a capability increasingly necessary in dynamic global environments.
"The ability to provide operational support from geographically distributed locations assures USAFE-AFRICA and the 603d Air Operation Center’s ability to command and control from anywhere, at any time,” said Col. Michael Goodman, Deputy Commander of the 603 AOC. “This was demonstrated through integration with NATO’s Integrated Command and Control system and USAFE’s Air Component Forward model.”
Senior Master Sgt. Nicole Dalton from the 217th Air Intelligence Squadron detailed the squadron's role in supporting Ramstein Flag, in Ramstein, Germany while at home station.
"Our targeteers produced high-quality materials, such as precision graphics and operations estimates, all remotely from Battle Creek, Michigan," said Dalton “These contributions were pivotal in aligning with both U.S. and NATO objectives.”
These exercises seek to show that the distributed nature of these operations strengthens interoperability across the total force and with NATO allies.
"This was the first time we conducted this kind of exercise from home station in support of NATO,” said Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Handren a team lead with the 217 AIS. “We were able to seamlessly support the 603 AOC’s mission from New York and Michigan.”
These exercises demonstrate the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard’s capacity for scalable operations, reducing costs and logistical burdens while maintaining mission effectiveness.
“This validates our training to meet Combatant Commanders intent and strengthen relationships with our partner nations,” said Col. Micaela Brancato, Commander of the 217 AOG. “The collaboration between the Michigan and New York Air National Guard, along with our Total Force and Joint partners at Ramstein, showcase our continued integration for critical operational planning.”
The 603 AOC, with their aligned units the 152 AOG and 217 AOG exemplify how distributed operations can meet modern military challenges, proving that readiness and scalability are not constrained by location but driven by innovation and collaboration.
Beyond enhancing interoperability, these exercises underscore the broader shift in military doctrine toward distributed command and control. By reducing reliance on centralized hubs, the Air Force and its NATO partners improve operational and strategic flexibility, allowing forces to rapidly adapt to evolving threats.
| Date Taken: | 12.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2025 15:14 |
| Story ID: | 493026 |
| Location: | BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Exercises Ramstein Flag and Steadfast Duel Showcase Operational Scalability, by Capt. Jacob Murray, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
