Highlights from MASA 24 with the United States Military and Armed Forces of the Philippines

Capt Andrea Trudeau & 1stLt Luke Kustra

818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron (MSAS) Air Advisors and Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 (MWSS-371) Strengthen Partnerships and Enhance Interoperability at Marine Aviation Support Activity 24

During Archipelagic Coastal Defense 24.3 and Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 24, Joint US Forces conducted bilateral training with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with an end state of strengthening the US-Philippines relationship. MASA is an annual bilateral exercise focused on enhancing the capabilities in operating with aviation assets from the US and Philippine militaries with training aimed at improving coordination, communication, and integration among units across the United States Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Philippine Marine Corps, Air Force, and Naval Air Wing. MASA 24 training also aimed to foster effective collaboration and mission success in complex, multi-domain environments in support of mutual defense and included a littoral live-fire exercise.

As the US continues to develop relationships in the INDOPACOM region, understanding and leveraging region-specific logistics subject matter expertise is crucial towards sustained success. As stated in Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 4, logistics “is both the engine of strategy and the bridge that provides the Nation’s resources to military forces” (US Marine Corps, 2023). In accordance with the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept, Aviation Ground Support (AGS) provides mission-essential engineering and logistics tasks to the USMC Aviation Combat Element, such as Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARPs). During MASA 24, MWSS-371, a unit task-organized to provide AGS support, ensured proper logistical support to enable Joint USAF and USMC training while supporting US-Philippines Mutual Defense Board – Security Engagement Board strategic objectives. As MASA 24 was focused on Marine Corps and Joint aviation-related training and concepts, AGS was crucial in enabling the success of a multitude of USMC and USAF platforms alike.

Logistics itself also serves as a means to improve relations with bilateral logistics counterparts and host-nation contractors. DoD Operational Contract Support bolstered by Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) / Acquisitions and Cross-Servicing Agreements (ACSA) ensured and enabled the logistical support of US Forces while supporting MASA 24. MLSA required direct liaison with Armed Forces of the Philippines MLSA representatives to acquire important goods and services. Although, in the short term, additional coordination and potential cultural barriers could result in added complexity, MLSA provides a way to sustain and equip US Forces while simultaneously developing bilateral relationships. The importance of US experience in the area of operations in tandem with rapport built between civilian contractors and AFP logistics personnel cannot be understated as it directly enables operations.

Several USAF units participated in MASA 24, which was a testament to the reinforcement of US commitment and cooperation in the region. Two AMC Air Advisors from the 818th MSAS at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), Capt Andrea Trudeau and TSgt Mika Pajas, were key to facilitating the successful integration of USAF assets and personnel for interoperability with the AFP in MASA 24. These Air Advisors provided critical cultural and liaison support to USAF stakeholders and other MASA 2024 participants for engagement with AFP personnel.

December 2023, Capt Trudeau supported the 305th Air Mobility Wing’s (AMW) participation in MASA 24. At the MASA 24 Final Planning Conference (FPC) her role was dual-hatted as a Logistics Readiness Officer (LRO) and Air Advisor, providing best practices and cultural-liaison support for US interactions with AFP personnel and other stakeholders in addition to providing logistics planning support for C-17 and KC-46 operations. Capt Trudeau stipulated that the 305 AMW was her first Wing. Having knowledge of the aircraft, the mission sets, the cargo, how their exercises run, and the people, she was thrilled to be asked to support their objectives and to be able to negotiate with exercise stakeholders for the time and resources to build the environment needed for successful operations with the sister services and Philippine Partners.

Capt Trudeau and TSgt Pajas from the 818 MSAS at Clark AB receiving a C-17 that returned from Basa AB after dropping off F-22 support personnel and equipment. (Photo provided by the author)

Capt Trudeau is a first-generation American Filipina. All five of her maternal uncles served in the Philippine military as officers (Marines Inspector General, Fighter Pilot, Civil Military Affairs, Naval Engineer, Marine/Airborne). Her grandfather on her mother’s side was a secret courier and messenger for American GIs in the Philippines during WWII. Her grandmother on her father’s side, had her town occupied by the Japanese during WWII. Before her grandmother’s passing in December 2023, she would share stories with her of how she would pretend to be sick to avoid having to go to morning rollcall under the occupation. Her great-grandfather was a CAD designer and surveyor as a local Filipino civilian working for the US government at US Camp John Hay/John Hay Air Station in Baguio. Capt Trudeau’s family also hosted Philippine Military Academy exchange cadets studying at the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, NY, from 2003 to 2008. Her family lived close to West Point, and her cousin was one of the exchange cadets from the Philippines, so they would host him and other Philippine exchange cadets from the different US service academies during their holiday leave periods, to include the first female Philippine exchange cadet to graduate from West Point with the Class of 2008. They were role models for her and inspired her to join the US military — the Air Force. It is quite the history, that as a six-year-old in 2004, she was already indirectly involved in US security cooperation and assistance activities. Some of the exchange cadets her family hosted still serve in the Philippine military and are now Majors or Lieutenant Colonels, so it was remarkable for her to serve alongside these teammates in the Philippines 20 years later.

Capt Trudeau was surprised to run into one of her cousins at the MASA 24 FPC at Fort Bonifacio in February 2024. This cousin was her Philippine Air Force counterpart from HQ and was the lead officer for coordinating and planning bilateral exercises and training with the US. She was also able to sync up with another cousin for logistics, a Group Sergeant Major stationed at Clark Air Base during MASA 24 execution. Both her cousins are sons of her uncles, who had served as officers in the AFP. While in the Philippines, Capt Trudeau was able to visit her uncles. She recalled how one of them showed her pictures of his time as a Marine during the 80s parachuting in Exercise BALIKATAN, which is, to this day, the largest annual bilateral exercise conducted between the Philippines and the US. Balikatan translates to “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog.

Capt Trudeau with her cousins at Clark AB. (Photo provided by the author)

Capt Trudeau and TSgt Pajas were the “eyes and ears” on the ground at Clark AB in preparation for receiving the various USAF aircraft, cargo, and personnel. They even established communications with a C-17 crew mid-flight to track down a POC located in a completely different country to obtain the required information of the passengers on board for immigration at Clark prior to landing. Capt Trudeau found that one of the most rewarding aspects of being an LRO and a Mission Commander was being able to operate with various unknowns across the different environments. Bringing order to chaos and being that conduit that helps make things happen alongside stakeholders with a vested interest in shared objectives was an exciting challenge and a major learning opportunity for growth and process improvement in the operations.. Also, TSgt Pajas’s professionalism, cultural competency, work ethic, and language ability epitomize what Air Advisors can offer to our Joint and Coalition Partners and with a minimal footprint.

TSgt Pajas exemplified the language capability 818 MSAS Air Advisors brought to MASA 24 and also shared details of her Filipino heritage. she stated, “my Filipino heritage has positively influenced my military experience here in the Philippines by instilling values of resilience, camaraderie, and adaptability, which are crucial in military operations. It also deepens my understanding of local culture and strengthens bonds with fellow Airmen! Growing up, I learned Ilocano as my first language and Tagalog as my second. We moved to Hawaii when I was 7, where I learned English. We would vacation to the Philippines every 2 years, which helped me maintain my language skills.” Pajas was born in Gattaran, Cagayan. “The exercise has been amazing! Being able to work with the PN, Marines, Navy, Hawaii National Guard, and other Air Force units has been great! Not only do I get to do my job as an Air Advisor, but to be able to do it in our native language has helped with building rapport with the Partner and breakdown any barriers that might have been there.”

As part of the Air Advisor and ADVON team in the Philippines supporting USAF units at Clark and Basa Air Bases, TSgt Pajas enjoyed participating in MASA 24 and shared her top three experiences, as she stated “First is being able to put out fires before it affects the inbound crews. Being Power Pro, seeing and working the logistics behind the arrival and departure of an aircraft was a cool experience. Secondly, is having the Hawaii National Guard here and watching the F-22s fly with the Partner in formation. And lastly, working with my brother-in-law, TSgt Noel Antalan. With him being a Guardsman and me an Active Duty service member who operates in a different AOR, this is a rare occasion for us.” The 818 MSAS has historically operated in the AFRICOM AOR but, in recent years, has expanded its reach across other AORs, including the Indo-Pacific and South America.

The 818 MSAS Air Advisors integrated with the 733 AMS Air Operations team at Clark AB to coordinate with Philippine Air Force (PAF) Base Operations, Security Forces, and Philippine Immigration Officers (IOs) to facilitate smooth immigration processes for USAF stakeholders and base access to Clark. Mr. Mark Dacanay and Mr. Angelito Sacramento were invaluable 733 AMS teammates at Clark and former Aerial Port Squadron 2T2s. Their support was recognized for their continued dedication to service, the work they do each day, and the continuous presence they provide. Capt Trudeau and TSgt Pajas were able to learn so much from them to understand their processes before US aircraft arrival, enabling them to work as a team for coordination with our Philippine counterparts and efficiently support the high-volume activity coming in and out of Clark.

TSgt Noel Antalan, an Aircraft Fuel Systems Craftsman from the 154th Maintenance Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JB PHH) was born and raised in Hawaii with family roots in the Philippines, specifically from the Ilocos Norte, Pagudpud, and Baguio Regions. He stated that, “The PAF provided invaluable assistance with all the resources we needed. Interacting with them, exchanging thoughts and ideas, and observing our different approaches was truly enriching. It presented a significant opportunity to fortify the bonds between the USAF/HIANG and PAF.”

TSgt Pajas and TSgt Antalan pose for a photo with F-22 maintenance equipment at Basa AB. (Photo provided by the author)

He also shared a similar favorite experience participating in MASA 24: working with his sister-in-law, TSgt Pajas, from the 818 MSAS, thousands of miles from home. He said, “Witnessing the Hawaiian Raptors and the PAF aircraft fly overhead was very impressive. I’ve learned a lot during our conversations with different PAF personnel, ranging from new ideas and perspectives aircraft maintenance-wise to specific facts and details of this exercise and the bigger picture of our mission. My Filipino heritage has greatly influenced my military experience here in the Philippines, providing me with a deep appreciation of the country’s culture, history, and values. Overall, my Filipino heritage has enriched my military experience and strengthened my connection to the people and the mission.”
The USAF’s KC-46 also made its debut in MASA 24. Capt Peter Scherer from the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron (JB MDL), ) notes the great experience operating in the Philippines, “Whether it be Air Traffic Control, the Philippine Air Force, or the crew bus drivers, we received great support which helped us accomplish our Global Reach mission. The opportunity to operate with partner nations and participating US units has been extremely beneficial. This not only strengthens ties between all participating units but also allows everyone to get on the same page logistically and tactically in order to present a larger force presence.”

The primary mission of the KC-46 in MASA 24 was to provide fuel to fighter and bomber aircraft operating in the INDOPACOM AOR. Specifically, there was a coronet (“Fighter Drag”) executed to and from the AOR, enabling four F-35Bs from VMFA-214 to participate in the MASA exercise. As the Air Force’s newest tanker, Capt Scherer emphasizes the capability the KC-46 provides to the battlefield: “Probably the most important [is] the ability to integrate into tactical datalink which provides more situational awareness for both tanker crews and receivers.”

KC-46 and USMC F-35Bs taxiing for coronet operations. (Photo provided by the author)

Maj Jared Fujii from the 154th Wing (JB PHH), ) brought ample experience operating in the AOR in locations such as Malaysia (COPE TAUFAN), Guam (VALIANT SHIELD), Korea (MAX THUNDER), Japan (IRON STORM, VALIANT SHIELD, IRON WAVE), and Philippines (COPE THUNDER, MASA 24). As the Project Officer (PROJO) for the Hawaiian Raptors (199/19EFS), his team was responsible for the forward deployment of four F-22s, personnel, and equipment from Kadena AB to Basa AB. Maj Fujii helped organize the Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) between the PAF and the Hawaii Air National Guard State Partnership Program in the Philippines.

Maj Fujii shared his experience working with the Philippine Air Force and the C-17 crew from JB MDL. “ It was a pleasure working with the PAF. They were extremely helpful in the beddown of the F-22 aircraft, cargo, personnel, and equipment involved in the flight operations and maintenance of the fourF-22s at Basa AB.” He expanded upon the impressive tactical operations in the PAF, noting the extreme attention to detail of PAF fighter pilots and similarities between the USAF and PAF briefs and execution of missions. “Integration was very successful.” Two F-22s integrated with the PAF’s three FA-50 fighter aircraft from the 5th Fighter Wing to tactically fly through the Luzon Low-Level Tactical Training Area.

Bilateral exercises are not without their challenges. Maj Fujii shared the different factors that increased the complexity of the deployment of the F-22 personnel and cargo. “These factors included a complicated cargo load in Kadena with heavy rain, thunderstorms at departure time stretching from Kadena to 100 Nautical Miles Southwest of the field along the flight route, and complex cargo download at Basa AB with narrow taxiways. The professionalism and the Crew Resource Management (CRM) of the entire C-17 crew made this complex task of deploying the personnel and equipment to Basa AB a huge mission success.” Two Air Advisors from the 36th Tactical Advisory Squadron (TAS) also came out to the Philippines as the Joint Inspection (JI) team for redeployment of the F-22 support equipment.

(Photo provided by the author)

TSgt Eric McKinley, an Instructor Loadmaster from the 6th Airlift Squadron (JB MDL), was one of the loadmasters of the C-17 aircrew. His responsibilities during MASA 24 included safely managing the loading and unloading of cargo and passengers and facilitating the movement of 62,0000 lbs. of cargo and personnel. He played a key role in assisting the C-17 pilots in navigating the challenging airfield that Maj Fujii alluded to while also coordinating with members of the PAF on the ground. “Stepping out of the jet, I was greeted by a wave of heat unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. It’s remarkable how our Partner Nations operate effortlessly in such challenging weather conditions every day. I have absolute respect for their capability to accomplish their tasks regardless of the conditions. Working with Partner Nations is always invigorating for me because it pushes me to adapt to new situations, overcoming barriers like communication and experience. Collaborating with the partner nations on this trip was particularly thrilling because they were enthusiastic about working together and demonstrated exceptional professionalism in integrating swiftly. Their ground personnel excelled in assisting with cargo offloading, and coordination with them was seamless,” said McKinley.

One of TSgt McKinley’s favorite aspects of being a loadmaster is exploring new places, “I particularly relish sampling new foods and immersing myself in the local cultures. I’ve found that countries in the Pacific region possess some of the richest cultures I’ve encountered, maintaining traditions and customs that have faded elsewhere. Without a doubt, my favorite part was indulging in the local cuisine. Lumpia is amazing.” Clark and Basa ABs are located in the province of Pampanga, which holds the title of the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, offering some of the best Filipino cuisine in the country.
LtCol Brent Kershaw is the Squadron Commander of MWSS-371 out of MCAS Yuma. He shared his experience in the Philippines for MASA 24, noting the changes in US strategy in PACOM over the years, having previously been stationed in Okinawa. His background is in combat engineering.

Maj Fujii pose with PAF maintainers after providing a F-22 familiarization engagement at Basa AB. (Photo provided by the author)

The MWSS-371 provided aviation ground support for MASA 24’s littoral live fire exercise, providing fuel to aircraft. “Any aircraft, either Marine or Coalition aircraft that needed it, we were able to provide fuel for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft in the form of CH-53 helicopters up in Laoag, and fixed-wing aircraft down here, so KC-130s, MC-130s, as well as USMC F-35Bs, and USAF F-22 Raptors. We also provided fuel for the C-130s up in Laoag as well,” said LtCol Kershaw. “Fuel is one aspect of it. Doing a Forward Arming and Refueling Point, FARP, my Airfield Operations Company performs those actions. The key is we extend the operational reach operating in the hub, node, and spoke concept, all geared towards extending the operational reach of aviation forces, generating sorties, making sure that aircraft can get up into the sky, they can fly farther, do missions at a forward edge, and farther than they would if we were not here.”

The MWSS-371 can also provide services on an as-needed basis, such as expeditionary aircraft firefighting. They also held SMEEs at Clark AB and Fort Bonifacio in Manila for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE), combat lifesaving skills training and FARP operations. USMC combat engineers and the Philippine Marine Corps engineers worked together on road river crossing projects to increase traffic ability up and down a river valley. “It’s not a one-way transfer and passage of information. It’s here is how we do things. How do you do things? We want to know how you do things, especially in this environment. That environment here in the Pacific is different than what we’re used to in the dry, sunny deserts of Arizona. So, we want to see what that means and how that changes,” said LtCol Kershaw.

LtCol Kershaw shared his favorite part of MASA 24, stating, “It’s really twofold: seeing [troops] translate what they learn in school, what they’ve improved in the field back in Arizona or back in the States, and then put that in action here. Seeing that come to fruition and increase our readiness as a unit goes hand-in-hand with the Filipino partnerships that we’re building and strengthening.”

LtCol Kershaw stipulated, “It just can’t be overstated the importance of understanding culture. We screened and said, ‘Who do we have in the unit that speaks Tagalog?’ and found that we had four that we could put towards this mission. Bring as many as you can; don’t think of them as translators. You can fool yourself into saying that language proficiency is good enough; we don’t need to bring a translator. But you’re going to miss things about the culture. So, I started calling my Tagalog speakers cultural advisors.” The senior cultural advisor for the MWSS-371 was a Staff Sergeant and was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant during MASA 24. “His family is from about an hour and forty-five minutes from [Clark], and they were able to come. His 90-year-old grandmother was able to pin his rank on. Focusing on the cultural aspect, understanding where we are, understanding history, understanding all of those things that glean the context that brings us to where we are right now, today, in 2024, and why things are the way they are, ultimately helps us focus on that main goal of strengthening partnerships.”

(Photo provided by the author)

Maj Paul Jasperse, the Operations Officer of the MWSS-371, also shared his experience operating in the Philippines for nearly two months supporting the Aviation Combat Element and sortie generation. He echoed LtCol Kershaw in the value of bringing Marines who served as cultural advisors who knew the Philippine culture, could speak the language, were born in the Philippines, or had relatives in the Philippines. “That has been a force multiplier, has smoothed out and enhanced our training, it has opened doors for us and has definitely taken our time out here in the Philippines to the next level building these relations out here and as much as we teach to the Filipinos, they teach us just as much. From the desert, we’re not used to this kind of climate, so it’s great learning about the jungle environment, the considerations, everything that goes into that,” said Maj Jasperse.

Maj Jasperse shared his advice for logisticians for future operations in the Philippines: “Get ready for the weather complications and the amount of rain operating in this AO. For logistical considerations, coming out here and understanding how those work, diplomatic matters working through the Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines (JUSMAG-P), all good matters to read up into, and utilizing the IPC, Military Personnel Flight (MPF), FPC, sending the right people to those and having a great ADVON that comes out here well in advance that can smooth those wrinkles before you come in and continue working on those relationships.” Having the right people was a common theme for logistical planning for MASA 24. Maj Jasperse commended the logistics planning at the various planning conferences conducted by MWSS-371 Airfield Operations Company Commander, Capt Steven Garrett. He stated, “This is an exciting time to be in the Marine Corps right now with global events that are going on, an awesome opportunity to push Marines to the fullest extent of their training capabilities within the aviation community, and it’s just been phenomenal being out here.”

(Photo provided by the author)

1stLt Luke Kustra is the S4 Logistics Officer and Headquarters & Service Company Commander for the MWSS-371, supporting logistics and fueling support for USMC aircraft. He was also key to logistics planning efforts at the FPC and a site survey in preparation for MASA 24. He recounted, “My role specifically for MASA is the site lead for logistics at Clark AB and primary POC for the PAF. It’s been a really awesome learning experience. There are so many different administrative items that need to happen just for you to show up to the country, making sure your equipment arrives and that everything is cleared from start-to-finish, and then also working with the contractors and AFP. It’s been very complex, but as you get to learn some more of the nuances that come with it, it’s really not too crazy and a lot of people are willing to help you.” 1stLt Kustra also highlighted the importance of knowing decision-making authorities on the ground to coordinate the necessary meetings and ensure everyone is on the same page. He emphasizes the value of relying on previous exercise After Action Reports and ensuring continuity for the next person in future exercise iterations.

CONCLUSION

MASA 24 demonstrated the importance of prioritizing US relationships with allies and partners for interoperability. It underscored the critical role of the men and women who support the logistics necessary to mobilize, deploy, and sustain forces in major conflict with kinetic threats. The diverse experiences shared by participants highlight the importance of joint and bilateral exercises for enhancing readiness, expanding capabilities, and ensuring continued security cooperation through partnerships in the region. Ultimately, MASA 24 speaks to the unified message and team of a robust network of US allies and partners founded upon shared values and security objectives. In the rapidly evolving global stage of Great Power Competition, the importance of logistics ceases to be a mere afterthought and is at the forefront of both anticipating and solving complex problems in a contested environment. In a time of consequence and reoptimization for strategic posturing, leaders at all levels must be ready and emboldened to take informed risks when it comes to logistics networks and decision-making.

References

US Marine Corps. (2023). Logistics, MCDP 4. Headquarters Marine Corps.

About the Authors

Capt Andrea Trudeau is an Air Advisor Mission Commander and Logistics Readiness Officer at the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, JB MDL. She has deployed to Mauritania, Tanzania, Kenya, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Senegal, advising over 15 Partner Nations on logistics, aircraft maintenance, and Women, Peace, & Security (WPS). Capt Trudeau started her career as the Officer in Charge of Cargo Processing at the 305th Aerial Port Squadron, eventually leading Air Freight Operations. In 2021, she also served as the JB MDL Cargo Deployment Function Officer in Charge during Operation ALLIES REFUGE and ALLIES WELCOME. Prior to her current position, Capt Trudeau served as the Executive Officer for the 305th Maintenance Group. She is a 2020 graduate from the US Air Force Academy and graduated with her master’s from Johns Hopkins University in 2022. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate studying strategy & leadership and is a LEAP Scholar.

1stLt Luke P. Kustra is a Combat Engineer Officer in the US Marine Corps stationed at MCAS Yuma, with MWSS-371. He is currently serving both as MWSS-371’s Headquarters & Service Company Commander and Squadron Logistics Officer (S-4). 1stLt Kustra is a 2021 Graduate of the US Naval Academy (BS – Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering) and is currently working towards a master’s degree in engineering management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.