Around the Air Force

In this week's look around the Air Force, Resolute Force Pacific 25 concludes after 30 days of exercising contingency-response capabilities across the Indo-Pacific, Deployable Combat Wings reorganize forces to meet requirements in any theater, and the Space Force approves a milestone upgrade towards advancing Space Domain Awareness.

U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Lee Hartley, the assistant adjutant general for the Tennessee Air National Guard, delivers a message to airmen at the 118th Wing in Nashville, TN, on April 5, 2025. The purpose of his visit was to reinforce embracing the warrior ethos mindset as we continue to collaborate, not only domestically, but on the international level, to defend our homeland. Wearing MOPP (Mission-Oriented Protective Posture) gear as the symbol of the Tennessee Air National Guard’s commitment to camaraderie, purpose, and the mission set that defines who we are, Hartley said that “we need to be exceptional at adapting fast … we need to be pretty good at going places and figuring it out quickly.” Upholding high standards of excellence to ensure mission success is what drives our ability to pivot and execute. “In our culture, what we encourage when we talk about the expeditionary mindset is commander’s intent, and you solve it”, he continues. “We are really good at that.” In an era of increased global volatility and emerging threats, deterrence, readiness and the need to remain agile is paramount. “I have yet to see a top-down solution that will beat grassroots effort when it comes to solving a problem”, he said. “Our airmen are empowered to come up with solutions to the problems they have. All the attention to details and standards that go along with this goes a long way.” Hartley’s message resonated with airmen, reinforcing our core values to push us to succeed in future operations. In short: Wherever the mission, we’re always prepared to face it - no matter the environment. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Yonette)

Cpl Thomas Leroux explains his new role with Task Force-Volunteer. (U.S. Air National Guard video by SSgt DeJon Williams)

Texas Army National Guardsmen support local Texans at the Dallas Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on April 1, 2020. Guardsmen and paratroopers unpack medical supplies and cots in preparation to host patients with COVID-19 symptoms. The soldiers set up Federal Medical Station's at different locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. (Video By U.S. Air National Guard A1C Charissa A Menken)

Texas Air National Guardsmen from the 136th Airlift Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, pack boxes of food for distribution, June 3, 2020. Their mission includes sorting dry goods, packing food boxes, and helping support families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Air National Guard video by A1C Charissa Menken)