C-130 and MQ-9 forward deploy to Battle Creek Air National Guard Base during Northern Strike 25-2

U.S. Airmen from various installations assigned to the 22nd Air Task Force disembark a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron, on the flight line during Exercise Northern Strike 25-2 (NS 25-2) at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Aug. 8, 2025. NS 25-2 tested multi-component and partner forces through a challenging, realistic and dynamic scenario based on global security challenges and theoretical future conflicts. Northern Strike is a premier reserve component training event that focuses on joint readiness training to build interoperability and strengthen partnerships in an all-domain environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols)

Airmen ensure mission readiness through interment training during Exercise Northern Strike 25-2

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 22nd Air Task Force, prepare a burial as part of a training during Exercise Northern Strike 25-2 at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Aug. 8, 2025. Airmen underwent specialized training to handle remains with dignity and precision, mastering recovery, identification, preparation and burial procedures per Air Force and Department of Defense standards. Northern Strike is an exercise designed to test Airmen through strenuous, realistic and dynamic scenarios based on global security challenges and theoretical future conflicts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chelsea Arana)

Army CH-47 Chinook transports Airmen to simulated forward deployed locations

U.S. Airmen from various installations assigned to the 22nd Air Task Force approach a CH-47 Chinook assigned to Bravo Company, 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, during Exercise Northern Strike 25-2 at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Aug. 4, 2025. Through this joint exercise, Airmen learned critical mission integration skills through collaboration with other branches. Northern Strike is a premier reserve component training event that focuses on joint readiness training to build interoperability and strengthen partnerships in an all-domain environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Delaine)

Airmen stand watch at night during Exercise Northern Strike 25-2

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joe Crimmins, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron HVAC technician, assigned to the 22nd Air Task Force, mans a defensive fighting position during night operations as part of Exercise Northern Strike 25-2 at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Aug. 5, 2025. Base defenders monitored the perimeter for external breaches in order to ensure a secure mission staging area. Exercise Northern Strike focuses on expeditionary operations and is designed to test Airmen through strenuous, realistic, and dynamic scenarios based on global security challenges to develop lethal and mission ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Chen)

Airmen Demonstrate Combat Readiness at Northern Strike 25-2

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 22nd Air Task Force, simulate responding to injuries due to a Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) strike as part of Exercise Northern Strike 25-2 at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Aug. 8, 2025. In the scenario, participants from various units worked together to respond to a simulated TBM strike, which tested their rapid decision-making and conduct tactical combat casualty care. Northern Strike is an exercise designed to test Airmen through strenuous, realistic and dynamic scenarios based on global security challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chelsea Arana)

C-130 and MQ-9 forward deploy to Battle Creek Air National Guard Base during Northern Strike 25-2

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 178th Attack Squadron receive an MQ-9 Reaper on the flight line during Exercise Northern Strike 25-2 (NS 25-2) at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Aug. 8, 2025. NS 25-2 provided an opportunity for the MQ-9 unit to work with joint force partners in a dynamic, multi-domain training environment. Northern Strike is a premier reserve component training event that focuses on joint readiness training to build interoperability and strengthen partnerships in an all-domain environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols)

Airmen participate in simulated medical evacuation during Northern Strike 25-2

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, receive simulated patients aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during Exercise Northern Strike 25-2 (NS 25-2) at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Aug. 8, 2025. Airmen participated in a simulated medical evacuation on the UH-60 as part of their training during NS 25-2. Northern Strike is an exercise designed to test Airmen through strenuous, realistic and dynamic scenarios based on global security challenges and theoretical future conflicts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols)

C-130 and MQ-9 forward deploy to Battle Creek Air National Guard Base during Northern Strike 25-2

22nd Air Task Force proves combat readiness at Northern Strike 25-2

Published Aug. 11, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Chelsea Arana
9th Reconnaissance Wing

BATTLE CREEK AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. - Airmen from the 22nd Air Task Force (ATF), comprised of military members from Beale, Travis, and Fairchild Air Force Bases (AFB), wrapped up their participation in the 2 week training event Exercise Northern Strike 25-2 (NS 25-2) on August 9 at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.

Michigan’s role as host for NS 25-2 was crucial in shaping the realism and complexity of the training environment. The state’s diverse terrain and established infrastructure at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base allowed for seamless integration of joint operations in simulated strategically relevant locations.

“We are proud to provide the coordination and infrastructure needed to ensure our total force partners are ready for deployable operations anywhere in the world,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Kramer II, Michigan National Guard, Assistant to the Adjutant General - Air.

Throughout the week, the ATF responded to a series of realistic and high-intensity scenarios designed to simulate the conditions of modern warfare. Airmen operated in full Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training. Additionally, members were subject to indirect fire attacks, base-wide Alarm Red and Alarm Black conditions which forced units to react quickly and maintain operations under duress.

Key training elements included medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) scenarios, where Airmen coordinated rapid MEDEVAC responses to simulated casualties. CBRN response teams sprinted trough decontamination drills and base defenders locked down perimeters after simulated incursions. In partnership with the Air Force Research Lab Airmen also practiced hot pit refueling, paired with a KC-135 virtual reality trainer that enhanced understanding of aircraft ground operations in a risk-free environment. The exercise offered a unique opportunity to integrate emerging technologies with warfighters in a joint environment to receive real time feedback from service members.

"Preparing for Northern Strike aided me in becoming a certified instructor which has given me opportunities to teach other units about my specialty as a defender,” said Senior Airman Kelsee Ford, 60th Security Forces Squadron installation patrolman. “Here at Northen Strike, I have been able to learn about combat operations and what it takes to effectively sustain an installation under real-world conditions.”

Drawing on their designated areas of expertise, members across the participating units had something to contribute to the overall success of NS 25-2. This included essential safety and fire support, emergency response capabilities, public affairs, and a rigorous wing inspection team making sure that every task met mission standards. Together, their combined efforts underscored the power of a unified, multi-base team operating with precision and purpose.

“We aren’t just training to fight, we are fighting to transform how our Air Force fights,” said Col. William J. Watkins, 22nd ATF commander. “That’s our calling. That’s our privilege. That’s our burden. That’s our honor.”

The end of this exercise isn’t just the close of a training event for the 22nd ATF, it marks a key milestone in their growth as a ready, responsive, and lethal force. From contingency response to combat support, Airmen were tested under pressure across every mission-essential task, proving their ability to deploy and fight when called upon. Now, they return to their home units with a sharpened operational edge and stronger cohesion as a lethal, deployable force.