From left, Sgt. Edward Acda, Lt. Col. Vern Perez, Sgt. 1st Class Celine Taitano, Capt. Ryan Arellano, Staff Sgt. Jovencio Mortera, and Sgt. Avery Tyquiengco of the Guam National Guard participate in Balikatan Cyber Defense Exercise, Manila, April 27, 2025. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces designed to strengthen the alliance, showcase the capable combined force, and demonstrate the commitment to regional security and stability. (Courtesy asset)

Master Sgt. Philip Nelson and Master Sgt. Jonathan Wilson of the 168th Communications Flight pose for a photo while installing broadband satellite, and 5 G Cellular Service in Shishmaref, Alaska. The installation, completed over five demanding days, was part of a larger initiative funded by a $29.5 million grant awarded to Alaska Tribal Networks, a nonprofit focused on expanding broadband access to rural villages. The recent Shishmaref deployment marked the beginning of a broader plan that includes coordinating the provision of Broadband satellite and 5G fixed and mobile wireless services in 45 communities across the Arctic. Nelson and Wilson of the 168 CF and ATS Lead Technician Brian Vaughn collaborated closely with the Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training program to execute the installation in Shishmaref. They extended the existing Starlink service from a community building into a 4G/5G broadcast signal, blanketing the entire village with reliable connectivity. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Royal Thai Air Force Gp. Capt. Watcharapol Nualpenyai (right) speaks with Washington Air National Guard Capt. Josh Pelto during a future logistics framework working group at an Airman-to-Airman Talks in Pattaya, Thailand, May 13, 2025. Airman-to-Airman Talks facilitate discussions between the U.S. and Thailand to share best practices and build stronger relationships through collaboration and planning. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Francine St Laurent)

PACAF deputy commander Air Vice-Marshal Carl Newman provides opening comments at the 12th annual Airman-to-Airman Talks in Pattaya, Thailand, May 13, 2025. Airman-to-Airman Talks facilitate discussions between the U.S. and Thailand to share best practices and build stronger relationships through collaboration and planning. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Francine St Laurent)

U.S. Army service members of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Utah National Guard, over look the area of operations during Exercise Hydra, May 8, 2025 at the Utah Test and Training Range, Utah. Exercise Hydra prepares our Total Force to respond decisively to the most complex threats of our time. From air superiority to SOF insertion, this exercise reinforces combat readiness across all domains. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Bill Guilliam)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, acting director, Air National Guard (ANG), speaks to Airmen and civilians prior to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, May 1, 2025. The ceremony established the first-ever F-35 Combined Test Force at Eglin, ensuring the Air Reserve Component as a key player in fifth-generation fighter aircraft testing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Mekkri)