U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY -- U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY
U.S. Air Force service members assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron and 960th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron partnered with Royal Saudi Air Force logistics troops to secure a Localized Isolator Microwave and brake metering valve for an E-3 Sentry and a butterfly valve for an HC-130J Combat King II, May 29, 2025.
The 26th ERQS and 960th EAACS aircraft were scheduled to be grounded for safety reasons until new parts arrived. However, through innovation, common goals and the support of a continued regional partnership, the two nations agreed to do a part exchange. The part exchange allowed immediate, consistent operations for both U.S. squadrons across the AOR. The Royal Saudi Air Force replenished its supply with U.S. Air Force parts upon their arrival.
“Securing this valve was essential to restoring a mission-critical asset and maintaining operational readiness,” said Lt. Col. Jeremiah Johnson, 26th ERQS commander. “Consistent engagement and integration with our regional partners through meaningful operations, activities and investments like these, reinforce our commitment in the region.”
These types of regional partnerships and connections ensure the capabilities required to successfully defend the region from any escalation of hostilities are available at a moment's notice from any location.