JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The 15th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron from Joint Base Charleston participated in Storm Flag 25-05 March 15-27, 2025, a large-scale mobility exercise held at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, and Alexandria International Airfield, Louisiana.
Storm Flag focused on strengthening airlift operations in contested environments. The 15th EAS refined its combat airlift capabilities through a two-part mission, with aircrews training at Pope and support personnel operating from Alexandria.
In the final phase, the full squadron came together in Alexandria to conduct rapid deployment and execution of airlift operations—key skills for global response readiness. Aircrews loaded up and lifted off under tight timelines, working through dynamic scenarios designed to test their ability to deliver in high-pressure environments.
“Storm Flag is critical to 15 EAS readiness because it is a rehearsal for what is perhaps our most sacred mission,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brad S. Fisher, 15th EAS commander and Storm Flag exercise lead. “This event trains us on the fundamentals and certifies our units to execute this maneuver in real-world missions.”
The 15th EAS conducted operations in simulated contested environments, practicing wet wing defuels, combat offloading and airlift logistics optimization.
“Participating in Storm Flag really broadened my perspective on the level of support we provide our country,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christiana Burch, 15th EAS aviation resource manager. “The training pushed us to think creatively and operate outside our normal routines. It showed how vital our role is—not just as a unit, but as part of a larger mission.”
Storm Flag also built coordination between units, reinforcing teamwork through real-world logistical challenges and integrated mission planning.
“The goal for aircrew is to give the Air Task Force commander flexibility by performing across strategic, operational and tactical levels of war,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Ben Grogan, 15th EAS mission planning cell member. “Storm Flag gave us the opportunity to plan missions in austere environments and integrate with joint partners for rapid air drop and air land operations.”