As adversaries attempt to disrupt rules-based international order in the vast Indo-Pacific region, a small group of Reserve Marines were on station here as part of Exercise Keen Edge to hone air dominance by advising the Joint Force Commander on Marine Corps aviation capabilities that can be brought to bear. They are the Aviation Command and Control Team (AC2T), and this capability can only be found in the Marine Corps Reserve.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Nicholas M.B. Patinos, center left, briefs U.S. Marines supporting Keen Edge at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Feb. 1, 2022. Exercise Keen Edge is a joint, bilateral command post exercise designed to facilitate interaction between and improve the interoperability of U.S. Forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Keen Edge proves our ability to effectively and mutually respond to a regional crisis situation that might have direct and immediate impact on both countries. The U.S. and Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, supporting a rules-based international order that promotes regional stability and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Benjamin M. Whitehurst)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, center left, Lt. Col. Joseph R. Fuller, Cpl. Xavier Sargent, Lt. Col. Justin Carlson, Maj. Michael Kingen, Sgt. Michael Deleary, Col. Benjamin W. Malmanger, Capt. Nicholas M.B. Patinos, Maj. Jose Jurado, Lt. Col. Eileen C. Donovan, Capt. Kyle Popke, and Capt. Jeffrey C. Abercrombie, all gather for a group photo in front of the Bong Air and Space Operations Center in support of Keen Edge at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Feb. 1, 2022. Exercise Keen Edge is a joint, bilateral command post exercise designed to facilitate interaction between and improve the interoperability of U.S. Forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Keen Edge proves our ability to effectively and mutually respond to a regional crisis situation that might have direct and immediate impact on both countries. The U.S. and Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, supporting a rules-based international order that promotes regional stability and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Benjamin M. Whitehurst)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Jose Jurado, Lt. Col. Joseph R. Faller, Maj. Michael Kingen, Lt. Col. Eileen C. Donovan, Capt. Nicholas M.B. Patinos, Capt. Jeffrey C. Abercrombie, and Lt. Col. Justin Carlson, all gather for a group photo in support of Keen Edge at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Feb. 1, 2022. Exercise Keen Edge is a joint, bilateral command post exercise designed to facilitate interaction between and improve the interoperability of U.S. Forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Keen Edge proves our ability to effectively and mutually respond to a regional crisis situation that might have direct and immediate impact on both countries. The U.S. and Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, supporting a rules-based international order that promotes regional stability and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Benjamin M. Whitehurst)