U.S. Airmen Excel in Talisman Sabre 25 Exercise

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Over 1,200 U.S. Airmen formed the 154th Air Expeditionary Wing, showcasing rapid deployment and interoperability during Australia’s Talisman Sabre 25 exercise.

In a striking display of military prowess, more than 1,200 Airmen from the United States Air Force (USAF) united as the 154th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) during Talisman Sabre 25, a major bilateral exercise hosted by Australia in July 2025. Held across Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia, the exercise involved 35,000 personnel from 19 nations, emphasizing seamless integration and rapid deployment capabilities, according to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). The 154th AEW, led by Brigadier General Kristof Sills, executed complex missions, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific region.

The 154th AEW, comprising Airmen from Hawaii, California, Guam, Idaho, and Wisconsin Air National Guard units, operated F-22 Raptors, KC-135 Stratotankers, and C-17 Globemaster IIIs. These assets completed 64 sorties, delivering over 1.1 million pounds of fuel to 143 allied aircraft, per DVIDS. Brigadier General Shannon Smith, 13th Air Expeditionary Task Force commander, emphasized the exercise’s role in enhancing joint operations, stating that Airmen demonstrated innovation and resilience in overcoming logistical challenges. The integration of USAF security forces with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) counterparts at bases like RAAF Base Curtin underscored robust allied cooperation.

A historic highlight was the “interfly” event, where U.S. F-35A pilots flew Australian F-35 aircraft, a first for Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Major Justin Lennon, a 48th Fighter Wing pilot, noted that such events enhance coalition agility, allowing any pilot to operate any F-35, boosting combat flexibility, as reported by The Aviationist. Maintainers, like Technical Sergeant Filiz Cleman from the 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, played a critical role, refining agile combat employment skills in austere environments, per DVIDS.

Talisman Sabre 25, the largest iteration of the biennial exercise, tested the USAF’s ability to project power across vast distances. Chief Master Sergeant Kurt Uchimura, 154th AEW command chief, highlighted the exercise’s value in preparing Airmen for complex theaters, strengthening partnerships vital for regional stability, according to DVIDS. The 154th AEW’s success reaffirms the USAF’s readiness and commitment to allied defense, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific through disciplined, innovative operations.