Spotlight!
Interoperable through the ranks for Cope North 24
36th Wing Public Affairs
February 20, 2024
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske, 36th Air Wing commander, addresses participants of Cope North 24 at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 5, 2024. CN24 is a multinational, U.S. Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, field training exercise focused on airborne integration for large-force employment and agile combat employment. (Senior Airman Cedrique Oldaker, U. S. Air Force)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM -- Cope North 24 (CN24) completed its first full weeks of operations, focusing on integrating commanders and junior enlisted alike.
This is the first time that Allies and partners are more than just participants - they are leading the exercise in a trilateral command structure.The coalition is led by U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Thomas Palenske, Royal Australian Air Force Group Captain Kylie Green and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Colonel Hideaki Miyake.
The reason interoperability is now a staple for coalition forces is that it helps to foster the exchange of information and refine shared tactics, techniques, and procedures. This better integrates multilateral defense capabilities and enhances regional security.
“We will not only be interoperable, but interchangeable,” said Palenske. “With Cope North 24 being a multinational exercise, our people need to know how our Allies and partners operate and be agile to adapt to any changes, because you never know what may happen. I trust the other nations to lead my airmen well through this exercise.”
CN24 participants are exercising this interoperability through agile, integrated generation of airpower from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating Allied airpower resilience and survivability in a contested environment.
“The scenarios have been designed to allow our aviators to exercise agile operational concepts that enhance force projection, resilience, and survivability of our Allied air combat forces,” said Green.
Operating interchangeably allows the coalition to become stronger and more resilient. This increased strength ensures deterrence on a global scale. Cope North 24 provides an optimal environment to enhance possible opportunities for the long-term advancement of shared interests.