Runway Repairs Tested in Combat Exercise

The 13th Air Task Force Command Element conducted rapid runway repair operations during Exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1, a multinational joint training event held across several locations including Kirtland and Tyndall Air Force Bases. The exercise simulated combat conditions to evaluate airfield recovery strategies following an enemy strike, with the 13th Combat Air Base Squadron responding to a cratered runway scenario at Tyndall’s Silver Flag site.

Personnel executed around-the-clock repairs, reinforcing Agile Combat Employment principles while operating with a reduced team size. The exercise paused flight operations until the airfield was restored, testing real-time support capabilities under pressure. Bamboo Eagle brought together over 175 aircraft and personnel from U.S., UK, Australian, and Canadian forces to refine deployment readiness in contested environments.