JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The 433rd Airlift Wing recently supported Exercise Southern Star '25, a multinational special operations exercise held in Chile. While the exercise primarily focused on ground operations, the 433rd AW's C-5M Super Galaxy and aircrew demonstrated their adaptability and value in a joint environment. U.S. Air Force Capt. Mike Lane, lead planner and one of the key leaders for the 433rd AW's participation, provided an inside look at the exercise's challenges and triumphs.
Q: How did the 433rd AW become involved in Southern Star '25, an exercise primarily focused on ground operations?
A: It began with a request from the 149th Fighter Wing next door seeking airlift support for the exercise. While their participation ultimately fell through, it sparked a broader conversation about the C-5's potential contribution, especially considering its typical role, which is often supporting Army operations. Recognizing this opportunity, I proactively sought funding from Air Forces Southern and U.S. Southern Command to support the evolving movement requirements throughout the exercise. This allowed us to transition from a supporting role for the F-16s to a more central role in the exercise itself.
Q: What was the initial concept for integrating the C-5 into the exercise?
A: The key question was how to utilize the C-5, a strategic asset, in a tactical context. Originally, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) was designated as our primary user. We conducted joint training with them to understand their specific movement requirements and tailor our operations accordingly. However, due to a real-world tasking, the 160th SOAR had to withdraw from the exercise, requiring us to adapt our plans.
Q: What were your key priorities for the C-5 crews during Southern Star '25?
A: My top priority was providing our crews with invaluable experience in a joint environment. We frequently conduct simulated training, but real-world exercises like Southern Star offer unparalleled opportunities to operate outside our typical routines and interact with different branches of the military. This experience is essential for developing interoperability and adapting to the complexities of joint operations. We also aimed to test and refine our Agile Combat Employment (ACE) tactics, which emphasize flexibility and decentralized command and control. A key component of this involved operating independently from the Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC), pushing our crews to adapt and problem-solve in a dynamic environment.
Q: How did Southern Star '25 differ from other exercises you've worked on?
A: Southern Star '25 was unique due to its ground-centric focus. This required a significant shift in perspective, transforming the C-5 from a primarily Air Force-focused asset to a direct support platform for Army and Marine ground operations. This change required us to re-evaluate our traditional operational paradigms and tailor our procedures to effectively support the ground commander's objectives.
Q: How does this shift in focus impact the way you view the C-5’s role?
A: While the C-5 is undoubtedly a strategic asset, its true strength lies in enabling ground forces. Our mission isn't air-to-air combat; it's delivering the personnel, equipment, and supplies the ground forces need to achieve dominance. Ultimately, we are tasked to the Combatant Commander to facilitate the scaling and sustainment of their ground operations, ensuring they have the resources to achieve their objectives.
Q: What was the toughest part of the exercise execution?
A: The biggest hurdle was overcoming initial skepticism about the C-5's ability to operate effectively in a tactical setting. Many participants were accustomed to viewing the C-5 solely as a strategic airlifter and questioned its suitability for the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of ground operations. Building trust and demonstrating the C-5’s adaptability in this new context was paramount.
Q: What was the initial reaction from the crews, and how did that evolve throughout the exercise?
A: Initially, there was considerable doubt among the crews. Concerns ranged from the aircraft's reliability in austere environments to the perceived lack of a clear purpose in a ground-focused exercise. However, as the exercise progressed and the C-5 consistently delivered, the sentiment shifted dramatically. By the third day, the prevailing attitude was one of surprised confidence: “Holy moly, we *can* do this!” This transformation highlighted the importance of hands-on experience in building confidence and demonstrating the C-5's versatility.
Q: What were some of the key lessons learned during Southern Star '25?
A: The exercise exposed challenges in maintaining reliable long-range wireless connectivity in a deployed environment, hindering our ability to effectively communicate with and control the aircraft. This experience underscored the critical need for secure and robust communication systems to support decentralized operations. The solution involved implementing new technologies and procedures to bolster our long-range wireless connectivity, ensuring seamless command and control even in remote locations.
Q: How was Southern Star '25 a win for the 433rd AW as a whole?
A: Southern Star served as a powerful proof of concept, showcasing the C-5’s adaptability and its ability to seamlessly transition from strategic airlift to direct support of ground operations within a joint environment. This success validates our ability to train the next generation of Airmen for the evolving complexities of modern warfare. It also reinforced the 433rd AW’s crucial role, not only in strategic airlift, but in adapting to the changing global landscape and meeting the diverse needs of Combatant Commanders. The exercise also fostered valuable partnerships with international allies and laid the groundwork for future collaborations.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: The global security environment is constantly changing, and the C-5 community must adapt to remain relevant. Southern Star '25 definitively demonstrated that the 433rd AW is ready and capable of meeting these challenges. We must continue to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and refine our tactics to ensure the C-5 remains a vital asset in supporting the joint force.