The Army & Air Force Exchange Service provided critical support to Soldiers during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Rotation 26-01, a large-scale multinational training exercise in Hawaii Islands in November.
More than 7,000 Soldiers participated, including troops from the 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Pacific and the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, along with service members from France, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and New Zealand. The rotation conducted training operations across multiple locations, with Exchange teams positioned to support units at every major position in the exercise.
“The Hawaii Consolidated Exchange team provided continuous retail and food support throughout the operation, including expanded mobile services, extended hours and logistical coordination to ensure participating service members had access to essential goods and meals,” said Exchange General Manager Julia Woods.
Supporting the exercise required months of preparation. Exchange teams worked closely with Army units to anticipate needs and position ahead of troop movements. Mary Ellis, Hawaii Exchange Retail Business Manager, says the extensive coordination enabled the team to determine whether additional merchandise; uniform and tactical inventory; food trucks; and modified operational hours were needed.
“There was a lot of preplanning, discussions and collaborations,” Ellis said. “Our communication with 25th ID started over a year ago, continued throughout the exercise, and as it concludes, as our troops return.”
Throughout the rotation, Ellis visited troops at several locations, including Pohakuloa Training Area, Area X-Ray, East Range, Ford Island, Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield, to see the support firsthand. She said Soldiers frequently expressed appreciation for the availability of food, drinks, uniform essentials and alternatives to MREs.
“The troops were excited and appreciative,” Ellis said. “During our engagements, we were also able to share Exchange hours of operations, services, support we provide and host foreign militaries.”
Ellis said the operation reflected the Exchange’s mission in action.
“I think it epitomizes our mission of ‘serving those who serve,’ as an exercise this large provided our Exchange team opportunities to engage Soldiers where they work, in our stores, and in some cases, to be able to join our Soldiers onsite during operations,” she said.
The support provided across multiple islands demonstrated the Exchange’s readiness, adaptability and dedication to serving Soldiers both in garrison and in the most challenging field environments, underscoring the vital role the team plays in sustaining morale and mission readiness during large-scale training operations.
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