SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii –
The 433rd Contingency Response Flight showcased its ability to operate as part of the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment, or ACE, model during Exercise NEXUS FORGE 2025, held at various locations across the Pacific during the first two weeks of February 2025.
More than 1,000 Reserve Citizen Airmen participated in the exercise, identified by Fourth Air Force as the first of its kind in Air Force Reserve Command, combining multiple airlift assets like C-17s, KC-135s, KC-46s and C-130s, with airframes from Joint Partners to test and show off strategic global mobility at a new level.
Tasked with rapidly establishing and managing austere airfields, a 25-person Contingency Response Team from the 433rd CRF demonstrated its ability to seamlessly integrate into a joint environment.
"We live ACE," said Maj. Alexander Williams, 433rd CRF commander. "We're designed to go far forward of established bases and open up new installations to provide combatant commanders operational and strategic options."
The team's proficiency was evident in their impressive airfield setup and aircraft turnaround times. In one instance, the team unloaded a C-130J in a mere 13 minutes, significantly faster than the average. This rapid tempo is critical in expeditionary operations, enabling a swift flow of personnel and supplies.
“AFTTP (Air Force Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) 3-4.7 directs what appropriate download times are,” said Master Sgt. Jerome Williams, the 433rd CRF team chief who led the CRT during NF25. “For the C-130J, they have 2 hours and 15 minutes to download the aircraft. In an austere or deployed environment... you want to accelerate those download times.”
“Consistent timing is going to be essential and critical to that,” said Master Sgt. Williams, who has served in contingency response roles for more than 13 years. “Us being able to do sub-20-minute downloads … It's impressive.”
Beyond their primary mission, the 433rd CRF members actively engaged in cross-training with service members from across the Department of Defense, including the Army, Marines, and Coast Guard, further strengthening interoperability.
An unscheduled mission during which the team successfully received and unloaded medical equipment from a Coast Guard aircraft on short notice highlighted the collaborative spirit.
"This team has grown tremendously," Williams said. "They came together, embraced challenges, and are now operating at an incredibly high level. These guys are all motivated, dedicated. They love the mission… they believe in the mission, and it definitely shows."
Internal validation was a key takeaway for the 433rd CRF, with many Airmen participating in their first major exercise since joining the unit. Their dedication and performance earned high praise.
433rd CRF Airmen who participated in NF25 voted Staff Sgt. Anthony Garcia, a 433rd CRF aircraft mechanic, as the team’s top performer during the exercise.
"I don't see myself as a top performer yet," said a humble Garcia, highlighting the team's drive for continuous improvement. "I'm always trying to grow and be better, and I think Master Sgt. Williams would tell you too… I ask him every day, what can I do to be better? What can I do to help more of the unit?"
The 433rd CRF's success at Exercise Nexus Forge 2025 underscores their vital role in future conflicts, particularly in a potential Indo-Pacific theater where ACE will be paramount. With a focus on constant improvement and a commitment to the mission, the 433rd CRF stands ready to answer the call.