Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, recently participated in a panel discussion at the Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium in Aurora. During the panel, Minihan discussed advancements being pursued by AMC to address rising global tensions and strategic competition by focusing on connectivity to improve warfighting capabilities. He emphasized the need to get 25 percent of his fleet connected by 2025 to enhance survivability, agility, resiliency, and lethality. Minihan also outlined his 10-line initiatives aimed at addressing gaps and improving command relationships, command and control, and AMC’s ability to maneuver in theater.
Throughout 2023, AMC responded to contingency operations on a large scale, flying over 23 thousand global missions and transporting tons of cargo and passengers. The command played a crucial role in supporting the Department of Defense’s surge in central and European commands while maintaining global obligations. Minihan highlighted AMC’s role as the most relied upon force in the history of warfare and emphasized the importance of putting joint and coalition forces in a position to be successful. Despite the success seen in 2023, Minihan acknowledges the need for further improvement, particularly in optimizing human performance for aircrew conducting maximum endurance operations.
AMC has been actively addressing shortfalls and filling gaps to ensure that the joint force is postured to respond to escalating global tensions. Minihan expressed confidence in the Airmen of AMC, praising their courage, tenacity, professionalism, and passion in fulfilling their roles. The commanders at the panel emphasized the importance of connectivity, maneuver, and logistics in achieving success in conflict situations. AMC continues to focus on readiness for strategic competition, deterrence, and potential conflicts in the Pacific through exercises and initiatives aimed at enhancing warfighting capabilities.
