Lt. Col. Michael O’Brien of the U.S. Marine Corps and Wing Commander Adrian Kiely of the Royal Australian Air Force devised a plan to quickly deploy their respective F-35 squadrons in response to potential aggression in the Western Pacific. Their strategy, which was first outlined on a napkin in a Nevada bar, involved the Marines traveling light, employing the use of local airfields, and leveraging the support of host nations. The focus was on speed and flexibility rather than the traditionally heavier, more static deployments.
Key Points:
- The plan created by Lt. Col. O’Brien and Wing Commander Kiely centers around the concept of ‘leapfrogging’ from one small island base to another in the Pacific, thereby placing high-tech firepower within range of potential aggressors quickly and efficiently.
- The Marine-Aussie team trained together in Nevada and Hawaii last year to enhance operational and maintenance interoperability. This year, their focus is on testing and proving interchangeability.
- The plan envisions that the Marines would operate without attached Air Force tankers and cargo planes, deploying light and fast and rehearsing a largely tanker-free war.
- The strategy would depend on the use of austere airfields closer to the front lines, requiring host-nation authorization.
- Should allies agree, this could lead to more short-notice exercises and increasing comfort with the idea among pilots, maintainers, and planners.
