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Multinational Humanitarian Exercise ‘Pacific Airlift Rally 25’ Begins in Mongolia

08 May 2025

From Staff Sgt. Kelsea Caballero, Pacific Air Forces

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia — U.S. Pacific Air Forces and the Mongolian Armed Forces-Air Force Component commenced Pacific Airlift Rally 25, a multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HA/DR) exercise on May 5th, 2025.

The exercise brings together air forces and civilian disaster response agencies, including participants from Bangladesh, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and the United States.

The goal of Pacific Airlift Rally 25 is to improve regional disaster response readiness and build interoperability among military and civilian agencies responsible for airlift operations during real-world humanitarian emergencies.

Training will include concurrent Tabletop Exercises (TTXs) and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), with a focus on airfield operations, aerospace and expeditionary medicine, logistical coordination, and cultural engagement between the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia and the Military Band of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia.

“Over the next five days, you will be given the opportunity to foster relationships, share insights, and learn from one another,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Renee Schaefers, Pacific Airlift Rally 25 mission commander, “It is through this open exchange of ideas that we can uncover best practices, develop innovative strategies, and foster a more profound understanding of our roles and responsibilities.”

This year’s exercise scenario involves a simulated earthquake affecting northwestern Mongolia—developed jointly by MAF and U.S. Air Force planners to reflect realistic regional disaster conditions.

“Through this event, we can facilitate the needs and requirements of cooperation and coordination in case of an emergency,” said Brigadier General Baljid Baatar, deputy chief of the general staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia, “This exercise will support and enhance capabilities and cooperation for disaster response between the participating countries.”

The 2025 exercise also marks the 100th anniversary of the Mongolian Armed Forces, adding special significance to this year’s collaboration.

Since establishing a strategic partnership in 2019, the U.S. and Mongolia have continued to deepen cooperation across humanitarian and security domains. The U.S. regularly supports Mongolia’s efforts in peacekeeping, training, and disaster response, providing a vital platform to enhance interoperability, strengthen defense ties, and reaffirm their shared commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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