Over the Ocean and Into the Fight: 25th Infantry Division Executes Long-Range Maritime Air Assault

Official Statements

• 25th Infantry Division, November 9: “SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — Flying low over hundreds of miles of open Pacific Ocean, the 25th Infantry Division validated its ability to project combat power anywhere, at any time. Elements of the 2nd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division were inserted deep into contested island terrain by the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, executing a massive Long-Range Maritime Air Assault as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Rotation 27-01. The insertion was followed immediately by rapid resupply heavy drops executed by the 8th Theater Sustainment Command.

  The assault marks a critical escalation in the continuous, 14-day force-on-force engagement, physically bridging the gap between complex aviation maneuvers over the ocean and the grueling, close-quarters ground combat required to seize and hold volcanic terrain against a near-peer opposing force. Simultaneously on Oahu, elements of the 2nd Mobile Brigade engaged in heavy, gritty fighting to seize objectives in the Northern Kahuku Training Area to dislodge enemy forces.

  “Executing a long-range air assault over hundreds of miles of open ocean requires absolute precision and seamless coordination between our aircrews and the infantry,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Dolce, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. “This operation proves that we can project combat power across vast maritime distances and insert forces ready to fight upon arrival.”

  The success of the air assault relied on conditions set days in advance. Sustaining an operation of this scale required immense stamina and deliberate logistical staging, with aviation and sustainment elements managing distributed refueling nodes across the island chain to ensure the joint force remained supplied without telegraphing their positions.

  “Sustaining a distributed force across isolated island chains demands incredible endurance and a highly flexible logistical network,” said Lt. Col. Sean Donahoe, 25th Infantry Division assistant chief of staff, G4. “In the Pacific theater, logistics is not just a supporting function; it is a fundamental component of combat power that dictates the speed and reach of our operations. The Joint Force must not only be able to reach multiple locations - it must be able to remain effective and sustain mission tempo over time.”

  Furthermore, the infiltration demanded strict tactical discipline. Operating in a modern environment saturated with advanced sensors, Light Fighters relied on fundamental fieldcraft and rigorous training to maneuver undetected and secure positions of advantage before initiating the close battle.

  Once the aircraft skids touched down, the Light Fighters move into the closest covered and concealed positions amidst the harsh volcanic terrain, relying on secure, modernized networks that push vital tactical data directly to the edge, accelerating the speed of action without overwhelming the front-line commander. The division is leveraging Next-Generation Command and Control capabilities, putting “Super-Intelligence” tools to work to ensure commanders maintain decision dominance in chaotic environments.

  “JPMRC creates realistic operational friction and replicates the uncertainty, complexity, and tempo of close battle against a capable and adaptive adversary,” said Col. Al LeMaire, Commander of Operations Group (COG) for the JPMRC and the 196th Infantry Brigade. “We test a rotational unit's ability to survive, adapt, and prevail against a professional opposing force on theater-relevant terrain.”

  The fight is far from over as operations continue across the Island of Hawaiʻi and Oahu, while the successful insertion of the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team demonstrates that the Army’s ability to rapidly marshal, deploy, and dominate across the Pacific is a proven, combat-credible reality.

  About the 25th Infantry Division: The 25th Infantry Division, "Tropic Lightning," is America's Pacific Division, headquartered at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. As the premier land force in the Pacific, the 25th ID provides combat-ready forces capable of conducting decisive operations across the Indo-Pacific. Through rigorous training and close partnerships with allies and the Joint Force, the division remains committed to warfighting excellence, regional stability, and being a responsible steward of the ‘āina and our local communities across the State of Hawaii.”