319th AMXS displays flexibility, adaptability during continuity of operations exercise

Airmen from the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron tow an RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 inside a hangar during a continuity of operations exercise at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 16, 2025. Between June 16 to 18, the 319th AMXS successfully completed the exercise by meeting every time benchmark and relocating operations back to their normal headquarters. (U.S Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th AMXS displays flexibility, adaptability during continuity of operations exercise

2nd Lt. Hunter Welch, 348th Reconnaissance Squadron RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 pilot, inspects an RQ-4 before takeoff during a continuity of operations exercise at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 16, 2025. Three RQ-4s were relocated during the event and were able to adhere to previously scheduled operations during the exercise. (U.S Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th AMXS displays flexibility, adaptability during continuity of operations exercise

Airmen from the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron move supplies during a continuity of operations exercise at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 16, 2025. The 319th AMXS set up operations in a new building while moving all necessary equipment within 24-hours of the mission type order being issued. (U.S Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th AMXS displays flexibility, adaptability during continuity of operations exercise

Airmen assigned to the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron move supplies during a continuity of operations exercise at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 16, 2025. COOP exercises are designed to prepare military units for rapid response scenarios, such as natural disasters or attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or conventional weapons. (U.S Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th AMXS displays flexibility, adaptability during continuity of operations exercise

Published June 27, 2025
By Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer
319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

The 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron successfully conducted a continuity of operations exercise, simulating the sudden need to relocate RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 operations within an expedited timeframe, June 16-18, 2025.

COOP exercises are designed to prepare military units for rapid response scenarios, such as natural disasters or attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or conventional weapons. These events may require full relocation within 24-hours to sustain mission essential operations. This event tested the squadron’s ability to maintain mission effectiveness while operating from an alternate location, with minimal notice

“It’s a lot to do at once,” said Master Sgt. Richard Waldon, flight chief for the 319th AMXS. “We get very little warning about when and where we need to move, and we still have to ensure the mission continues seamlessly. Roughly 300 personnel are displaced, and every one of them stepped up to keep us mission-ready.”

Waldon, who spearheaded the exercise as the unit’s subject matter expert, coordinated with multiple support squadrons to ensure every aspect of the transition ran smoothly.

COOP exercises are held semiannually and serve as both training and preparation for real-world contingencies. Rapid relocation and resumption of operations is also a key component to Air Force priorities like Agile Combat Employment, and requires airmen at all levels to exercise concepts of Mission Command by carefully accepting risk and understanding commander’s intent.

“It’s not about whether we can do it—it has to be done,” said Senior Airman Brandon Webb, crew chief with the 319th AMXS. “It’s about how quickly we can adapt and how well we can execute. We may be a smaller AMXS, but our reliability and performance are second to none.”

A major challenge of the event involved relocating and housing three RQ-4 aircraft within 24-hours by securing new hangars and support infrastructure without disrupting the mission. Waldon described trust both up and down the chain of command as being a fundamental enabler of the exercise.

“This kind of move requires a massive amount of planning and accountability,” Waldon added. “Every tool, every asset we rely on has to move with us, and my team executed without issue. I’m proud of every airman here.”

At the end of the week, the 319th AMXS successfully completed the exercise, meeting every time benchmark and relocating operations back to their original location without setbacks.

“Exercises like this show that no matter the challenge, we’re ready,” Waldon said. “Next time, we’ll be even faster and even better equipped to keep meeting those national-level goals.”

The 319th AMXS is responsible for the maintenance, repair and readiness of the Air Force’s remaining RQ-4 fleet, and enables operationally-tasked intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in multiple areas of operations across the globe.