621st CRW Demonstrates Global Reach in Department-Level Exercise
MOSES LAKE, WASHINGTON – The 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) recently concluded a major deployment supporting the 2025 Department of the Air Force’s Department-Level Exercise (DLE) series, showcasing its expertise in rapid global mobility. Beginning on July 4, 2025, over 185 members of the 621st CRW fanned out across the United States and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s area of responsibility to participate in the large-scale exercise.
Exercise Scope and Objectives
The DLE series involved a significant number of personnel and assets, highlighting the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining its global operational capabilities. The exercise brought together over 12,000 U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force personnel, along with more than 350 aircraft. The primary focus of the exercise was to enhance the ability to rapidly deploy and sustain air power anywhere in the world. The aim was to refine strategies and procedures to project air power globally, regardless of time, space, or distance.
Operations at Grant County International Airport
The exercise’s central hub of operations was Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington. From July 4 to July 15, the 621st CRW utilized the airport as a base of operations. Airmen demonstrated their proficiency in establishing and operating airbases in diverse locations around the globe. The scenarios included setting up airfields, managing logistics, and ensuring the readiness of aircraft and personnel to support a variety of missions. This exercise provided a realistic environment for the CRW to test its capabilities in a complex, simulated operational environment.
Joint and Multinational Partnerships
A key aspect of the DLE series was the integration of joint and multinational partners. This approach emphasized the importance of interoperability and collaborative efforts in achieving shared objectives. The exercise allowed the 621st CRW to work alongside other branches of the U.S. military and international allies. This collaborative environment provided an opportunity to share best practices, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen relationships, ultimately enhancing the collective ability to respond to global challenges.
Enhancing Rapid Global Mobility
The DLE series served as a critical platform for the 621st CRW to showcase its expertise in rapid global mobility. The wing’s ability to deploy quickly and establish operational capabilities is essential for maintaining the U.S. Air Force’s global reach and responsiveness. The exercise provided valuable training and experience for Airmen, strengthening their skills in establishing and operating airbases around the world. The DLE series helps ensure that the Air Force is prepared to generate air power anywhere, at any time.
Significance and Future Implications
The success of the 2025 Department-Level Exercise, particularly the role played by the 621st CRW, reinforces the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining its global presence and readiness. The lessons learned and the capabilities demonstrated during the exercise will inform future operational planning and training. The ability to project air power rapidly and effectively remains critical in an evolving global landscape. The Department of the Air Force will use the data collected during this exercise to continue to improve and refine rapid mobility capabilities, ensuring that the Air Force can meet the challenges of the future.