Units Integrated for Pacific Training Exercises
The 84th and 85th TES conducted joint operations and a live-fire sinking exercise in June and July of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Military
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Between June 19 and July 17, 2026, the 84th and 85th Test and Evaluation Squadrons integrated to conduct training exercises across the Pacific. This deployment included a June 27 live-fire sinking exercise that utilized three Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles.
Why it matters
The integration supported large-scale regional drills including Valiant Shield 2026 and Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026. These operations tested the logistical coordination required to sustain advanced weapons testing and support air base requirements.
The operation involved firing 3 Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles at the decommissioned USS Juneau north of the Mariana Islands. Support crews managed a 14-hour time difference while coordinating the delivery of safety-chase missiles within 12 hours of the mission.
The players
84th Test and Evaluation Squadron
This unit is based at Eglin Air Force Base and conducts operational testing for the U.S. Air Force.
67th Fighter Squadron
This unit operates out of Kadena Air Base in Japan and is a key partner in Pacific air operations.
18th Wing
This is a combat-ready wing based at Kadena Air Base that is currently preparing to transition to F-15EX aircraft.
The details
Maintainers at the 84th and 85th TES prepared safety-chase F-15s for takeoff while support staff tracked flight documentation across varied time zones. The joint effort provided essential testing support for operations at Kadena Air Base and across the Pacific region.
Timeline
June 19, 2026: The 84th TES integrated with the 85th TES.
June 27, 2026: A B-2 Spirit performed a live-fire sinking exercise.
July 17, 2026: The integration period concluded.
Political Context
Critics of large-scale Pacific air exercises often cite the high costs of expendable targets and the logistical strain on legacy fighter fleets. Opposition groups frequently demand greater transparency regarding the environmental impact of sinking decommissioned vessels in the open ocean.
These training exercises influence regional defense readiness and long-term procurement planning for the Air Force. The transition to new aircraft like the F-15EX will eventually shift the maintenance and pilot training requirements for personnel based at overseas installations.
The takeaway
Large-scale joint training events demonstrate the complexity of modern multi-unit military coordination across global time zones. These exercises are critical for validating new missile technologies before they are integrated into the standard fighter squadron arsenal.
Further reading
For more information on current operations and strategy, visit the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
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