AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR -- On 10 July U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) began executing a partner nation integration event with Israel, called Juniper Oak. This event will conclude on 14 Jul. This joint event aims to foster interoperability, provide a venue to exchange best practices, and enhance joint operational capabilities between the two air forces.
The primary focus of Juniper Oak will be on Agile Combat Employment integration with aerial refueling. AFCENT is providing U.S. F-16’s and a KC-10 to support the event, and a U.S. KC-46 will participate in a formation flight with U.S. and Israeli fighter aircraft. ACE is a concept that relies less on large traditional main overseas bases as hubs for projecting combat power and more on launching, recovering, and maintaining aircraft from dispersed forward operating locations in concert with allies and partners.
"The U.S. Air Force and Israel share an ironclad partnership built on mutual trust and cooperation," said Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander and Combined Forces Air Component Commander (CFACC) for U.S. Central Command. "Juniper Oak is a testament to the enduring commitment between our nations and reinforces our shared dedication to safeguarding mutual interests and promoting peace and stability in the region."
The participants will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences in the areas of tactics, techniques, and procedures, further enhancing their operational effectiveness. This will foster a deeper understanding of each other's capabilities and operational methodologies, enabling more efficient and effective coordination in future joint operations.
Juniper Oak will not only strengthen the bond between the U.S. and Israel, but also demonstrate each nation’s commitment to working together in the pursuit of regional security. It highlights the importance of cooperation and coordination between allied nations to effectively respond to evolving threats.
The U.S. Air Force remains committed to building and sustaining partnerships with nations around the world, as it continues to play a vital role in maintaining global stability and security.
About AFCENT:
United States Air Forces Central is the air component of United States Central Command, a regional unified command. USAFCENT is responsible for air operations, either unilaterally or in concert with coalition partners, and developing contingency plans in support of national objectives for USCENTCOM's 20-nation area of responsibility in Southwest Asia. Additionally, USAFCENT manages an extensive supply and equipment prepositioning program at several Area of Responsibility sites.