YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 374th Airlift Wing leveraged the Yokota Aero Club to deliver mission-essential aircraft parts to a simulated broken aircraft during Beverly Midnight 26, demonstrating how local resources can provide an inexpensive alternative mobility option during operations at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 13, 2026.
BM26 is a USAF-led proof-of-concept operational exercise designed to enhance the interoperability, command and control, and readiness of 5 AF headquarters and its three wings within a contemporary scenario.
Sustainment requirements can put strain on the current airlift available in contingency operations, such as when an aircraft is broken and needs replacement parts. Yokota tested this fixed based operator scenario with a proof of concept during BM26.
In this scenario, a simulated C-130J Super Hercules broke down at Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan. Normally, a C-130J or C-12J Huron would support this mission, flying to Iwakuni just to deliver the parts, taking away the availability of this aircraft from supporting other missions.
Instead, Airmen from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron delivered the cargo to the Yokota Aero Club, where a Diamond DA-42 NG Twin Star aircraft transported the parts to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni before returning to Yokota after completing the delivery.
“We increased our logistics hub capability by leveraging a resource that already existed within the community,” said Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing commander. “We found an inexpensive and efficient way to increase capacity and options to maneuver and sustain joint forces.”
The alternative approach demonstrated significant cost savings. The Yokota Aero Club aircraft operates at approximately $250 to $400 per hour, compared to roughly $6,000 per hour for a C-12J and about $24,000 per hour for a C-130J. Using the Aero Club aircraft for the mission resulted in an estimated savings of $28,000 to $118,000 while preserving military aircraft availability.
“Using the Aero Club for this mission reduced the resources required to deliver critical parts to return aircraft to service,” said Capt. Jackson Jinks, 36th Airlift Squadron instructor pilot. “Maintaining aircraft availability ensures we can continue executing training and real-world taskings while keeping our crews mission ready.”
The effort also supports the development of mission-ready Airmen by incorporating Department of War-affiliated aviators outside the traditional Air Force pilot force. Aero Club aviators gain valuable flying experience that can improve their Pilot Candidate Selection Method scores, further preparing them for potential aviation careers.
“This concept highlights how innovative thinking and collaboration across the installation can strengthen readiness,” said McElhaney. “Every opportunity to operate more efficiently helps ensure we remain ready to project airpower when and where it’s needed.”