The Hawaii Air National Guard’s Sentry Aloha 24-01 exercise, a large-scale, joint training event, successfully concluded on Jan. 31 after two intensive weeks. Designed to enhance war fighting capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, the exercise saw participation from over 700 personnel and 40 aircraft across the Department of Defense (DoD) and Australia.
Hosted biannually by the 154th Wing, Sentry Aloha aims to provide realistic and multi-faceted training, integrating current fighter platforms and tactics. This iteration focused on Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and distributed operations, leveraging Hawaii’s unique airspace and proximity to critical military commands.
Among the participants were U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers from VX-9 China Lake, F-35 Lightning IIs from VX-9 Det Edwards, and the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail. This mix of 5th-generation fighters and advanced support aircraft facilitated valuable learning opportunities, as highlighted by Lt. Mitch “MoonBoots” Mathis of VX-9.
The exercise provided extensive training for both pilots and support personnel. Joint forces honed tactics, communication, and maintenance procedures, effectively addressing logistical challenges. Notably, 154th Wing maintainers played a crucial role in repairing a VX-9 F/A-18E, preventing significant downtime.
Air refueling played a vital role, ensuring swift mission turnaround times for diverse aircraft, including fighters, tankers, airlift, and airborne surveillance platforms. The 203rd Air Refueling Squadron demonstrated proficiency in both drogue and boom refueling, ensuring essential fuel availability for all participants.
Sentry Aloha 24-01 resulted in the certification of two Instructor Pilots, one Four-Ship Flight Lead, and three Mission Commanders within the Hawaiian Raptors, signifying enhanced pilot qualification.
Brig. Gen. Phillip Mallory, 154th Wing commander, emphasized the exercise’s value in fostering collaboration and readiness: “The Joint and Coalition Force came together and honed the skills we need to be successful in the Great Power Competition and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
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