5 Critical Updates From McChord Field: New Commander, Global Missions, And The C-17’s 2025 Role
McChord Air Force Base, officially known as McChord Field and operating as the Air Force component of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), remains one of the most vital strategic airlift hubs for the United States military. As of late 2025, the base is undergoing significant leadership changes and is at the forefront of major global operations, demonstrating its irreplaceable role in projecting American power worldwide.
The 62d Airlift Wing, the base’s primary unit, has been intensely focused on Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts, participating in high-stakes exercises and deploying C-17 Globemaster III aircraft across the globe. This article provides the most current and critical updates from Team McChord, highlighting the new command structure and the pivotal missions defining the base’s activity in 2025.
McChord Field Profile: History, Key Units, and 2025 Command
McChord Field, situated near Tacoma, Washington, is a cornerstone of U.S. air mobility capabilities. Its history stretches back to the early 20th century, and its current structure reflects a modern, integrated joint-service model.
- Official Name: McChord Field, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).
- Location: Pierce County, Washington, 9.1 miles south-southwest of Tacoma.
- Consolidation: Consolidated with the U.S. Army’s Fort Lewis on February 1, 2010, to form Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
- Naming: Named in 1940 in honor of Colonel William McChord, who was tragically killed in an aviation accident in 1937.
- Primary Aircraft: The C-17 Globemaster III, the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and equipment.
- Key Active-Duty Unit: The 62d Airlift Wing (62 AW).
- Key Reserve Unit: The 446th Airlift Wing.
- Primary Mission: Worldwide strategic airlift, supporting global mobility and humanitarian operations for Air Mobility Command.
- Active Personnel: The 62d Airlift Wing ensures the readiness of more than 2,400 active-duty military and civilian personnel.
New Leadership at the Helm: Colonel Jessica L. Regni
A major development in 2025 was the change of command for the 62d Airlift Wing. On July 29, 2025, Colonel Jessica L. Regni officially took command of the 62 AW, succeeding Col. Sergio E. Anaya. Col. Regni's leadership is critical in guiding Team McChord's strategic airlift mission and its continued adoption of the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) doctrine.
Update 1: C-17 Globemaster III Dominance in Global Exercises (Gunfighter Flag 25-02)
The core of McChord Field’s operational readiness in 2025 was demonstrated through its participation in major joint-service exercises. The 62d Airlift Wing played a key role in Gunfighter Flag 25-02 in November 2025, an exercise held by Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, with elements also at JBLM. This event was a crucial part of a larger wing exercise designed to test and refine the wing's ability to operate in contested environments.
Furthermore, the 62d AW showcased its immense airlift power in January 2025 by executing a massive nine-ship C-17 Globemaster III formation departure from JBLM. This display of force projection demonstrated the wing’s capacity for rapid, large-scale deployment, a foundational requirement for strategic airlift operations in a dynamic global security landscape. The C-17 remains the backbone of the base’s mission, capable of transporting massive payloads and landing on austere airfields.
Update 2: Pioneering Agile Combat Employment (ACE) with Operation KENNEY STRIKES BACK
The U.S. Air Force’s shift toward the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept—which focuses on the ability to rapidly deploy, disperse, and recover forces—is being aggressively implemented by the 62d Airlift Wing. In 2025, the 62d AW executed Operation KENNEY STRIKES BACK (OKSB). This operation built directly on the lessons learned from the previous year’s "Operation KENNEY'S RETURN."
OKSB involved deploying a Mission Generation Force (MGF) package, a small, multi-capable team designed to sustain operations from a forward location with minimal infrastructure. The exercise was a joint effort involving the 62d Airlift Wing, the 627th Air Base Group, and various joint and coalition partners. The goal was to develop best practices for keeping "Team McChord" operational while deployed, ensuring global reach and strategic flexibility in a contested area of operations.
Update 3: Indo-Pacific Focus and Deployment to RAAF Amberley
McChord Field's C-17 fleet is a critical asset for the U.S. military’s strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region. In December 2025, the 62d Airlift Wing demonstrated this commitment through a significant deployment to Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia. Deployments like this are vital for strengthening alliances, enhancing interoperability, and maintaining a forward presence in the region.
These missions are not just about transport; they are about projecting the ability to rapidly respond to crises and support allies across vast distances. The C-17 Globemaster III’s long-range capability makes McChord Field the ideal launch point for these critical Indo-Pacific operations, reinforcing the strategic importance of the base to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and Air Mobility Command (AMC).
Update 4: JBLM Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades
While McChord Field is the Air Force component, its operations are deeply integrated with the Army side of JBLM. Several significant infrastructure and technology upgrades across the joint base directly impact McChord personnel and capabilities:
- New Housing Development: Liberty Military Housing began breaking ground on over 200 new homes within Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This project aims to improve the quality of life for service members and their families, addressing the housing needs for both Army and Air Force personnel.
- Data Center-as-a-Service (DCaaS): In a major technology upgrade, the Army completed a Data Center-as-a-Service rollout at JBLM in December 2025. This modernization effort improves data security, efficiency, and the technological backbone necessary to support complex joint operations, including the planning and execution of C-17 missions.
- Hypersonic Weapon System: Although primarily an Army development, the activation of the Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon System on JBLM in 2025 signifies the base's growing importance as a strategic hub for cutting-edge military capabilities. The ability to rapidly transport and support such high-value assets underscores McChord Field’s essential strategic airlift role.
Update 5: The 446th Airlift Wing (Reserve) Continuing Support
The Air Force Reserve Command’s presence at McChord Field, the 446th Airlift Wing, continues to be an essential force multiplier. The 446th AW operates alongside the active-duty 62d AW under the "Associate Unit" concept, sharing C-17 aircraft and maintenance resources. This integration provides a surge capacity that is critical for sustained global operations.
In 2025, the reservists of the 446th AW were instrumental in maintaining the high operational tempo, ensuring that the C-17 fleet remained mission-ready for both active-duty and reserve deployments. The seamless integration of the two wings is a key element of McChord Field's ability to execute its worldwide strategic airlift mission without interruption, providing highly experienced aircrews, maintenance, and support personnel.
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