Civilian and defense personnel from more than a dozen nations gathered in Mongolia in May 2025 to enhance readiness and build interoperability for humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions.
Hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces-Air Force Component and the United States Pacific Air Forces, Pacific Airlift Rally 25 also included participants from Bangladesh, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Tonga.
Training included simulated exercises and expert exchanges focusing on airfield operations, aerospace and expeditionary medicine, and logistical coordination, as well as cultural engagement.
“It is through this open exchange of ideas that we can uncover best practices, develop innovative strategies, and foster a more profound understanding of our roles and responsibilities,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Renee Schaefers, the exercise’s mission commander.
The exercise scenario involved a simulated earthquake in northwestern Mongolia to reflect realistic regional disasters.
“Through this event, we can facilitate the needs and requirements of cooperation and coordination in case of an emergency,” said Brig. Gen. Baljid Baatar, deputy chief of the general staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, which celebrate their centennial in 2025. “This exercise will support and enhance capabilities and cooperation for disaster response between the participating countries.”
Since establishing a strategic partnership in 2019, Mongolia and the U.S. have deepened cooperation across humanitarian and security domains. The U.S. regularly supports Mongolia’s peacekeeping, training and disaster response initiatives, providing a vital platform to enhance interoperability, strengthen defense ties and reaffirm the nations’ shared commitment to Indo-Pacific stability.
