Large C-17 aircraft, known as 'BEE Liners', Test their Boundaries During Extensive Pacific Military Drill
Air Force's 21st Airlift Squadron Gears Up for High-Tempo Operations
The 21st Airlift Squadron, based in California, has been thrust into a demanding schedule of operations as part of the Department-Level Exercise (DLE) that began on July 8 and will continue until mid-August. The squadron landed on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on July 10, joining forces with other U.S. armed forces and America's foreign allies and partners.
The DLE is designed to push the limits of thousands of Airmen and Space Force Guardians, and the 21st Airlift Squadron is no exception. With recent deployments, the Air Mobility Command had to pull together enough C-17 transport jets, which meant "basically flushing the wings of just about every training tail they have," as some aircraft were called into action.
The grind continues after the DLE, as the 21st Airlift Squadron enters another stretch of high-tempo operations. The challenge is staying sharp during the DLE, as some sorties take off at odd hours, making it difficult to adjust.
The C-17 is unique because it can travel long distances and carry a lot of cargo and people. During the DLE, these versatile aircraft have been used extensively, with some flying from South Carolina, Hawaii, and elsewhere across the country. The 10 C-17s on station at Andersen Air Force Base flew 20 sorties between July 10 and July 13.
The complex missions of the DLE include dropping about 330 paratroopers over Australia for exercise Talisman Sabre, or practicing aeromedical evacuation missions with foreign partners. The 21st Airlift Squadron, with its rich tradition of dropping paratroopers into battle, flying supplies to besieged troops, and delivering medical supplies for humanitarian missions, is well-suited for these demanding tasks.
The DLE also involves practicing air combat, airlift, airdrop, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and other missions. This exercise is crucial for the 21st Airlift Squadron, as it is preparing for potential future conflicts by practicing operating independently.
However, the 21st Airlift Squadron is facing a challenge due to a 2,000-person shortage among the Air Force pilot corps. This shortage requires the squadron to ensure that they are developing their pilots in a way that they can still execute all the operations that they did in the past with more seasoned pilots.
Despite the challenges, the DLE provides a rare opportunity for squadron members to bond as a unit, as most are usually off on a mission somewhere around the world. As of July 29, 33 C-17s had directly supported the DLE, flying approximately 186 sorties so far.
The DLE series is straining the mobility fleet to meet worldwide demand. The exercise is aimed at testing the limits of the Air Force and Space Force, and the 21st Airlift Squadron is playing a crucial role in this test. The squadron's dedication and adaptability are on full display during this challenging period, demonstrating their readiness to respond to any mission, anywhere in the world.
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