MAY 11, 2026 — The sun presses down hard on the flightline, heat rising in waves from the concrete as wind cuts sharply across the open expanse. Behind a humming C-130 Hercules, airmen stand poised, measured, focused and alert. Every movement matters here. Every signal counts.
That intensity carried a deeper purpose April 27, 2026.
Airmen from the U.S. Air Force and Royal Moroccan Air Force stood shoulder-to-shoulder, preparing to execute engine running on and offloading procedures, also known as ERO, a high-risk, high-reward capability that allows cargo to be loaded or unloaded while an aircraft’s engines remain running. It’s fast, it’s efficient and if done incorrectly, it’s unforgiving.
The risks are real. Exhaust pulsations can tip unsecured cargo. Engines can pull in anything, or anyone, too close. Communication must be precise, deliberate, and understood across languages and experience levels. There is no margin for hesitation.
Earlier, inside a classroom in Kenitra, aerial porters from the 88th Aerial Port Squadron, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, laid the groundwork, teaching communication techniques, hand signals and safety protocols essential to ERO operations. But knowledge alone isn’t enough. Out here, under the roar of engines and the pressure of execution, training becomes instinct.
“Safety is paramount when performing these operations; a lot can go wrong,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Pacheco, 88th APS load planner. “That is why we train; it is also why being able to participate in exercises like this is invaluable.”
As the aircraft was towed into position, the classroom lessons transitioned into action. U.S. and Moroccan airmen moved in sync, translating instruction into execution, hand signals exchanged, cargo guided carefully into place, eyes constantly scanning for hazards.
What began as a lesson quickly became a shared operation.
In less than an hour, the aircraft was loaded. More importantly, a new capability had taken root.
ERO operations reduce the need for aircraft shutdowns, cutting down on time, fuel consumption, and procedural delays. In real-world scenarios, that speed can mean the difference between mission success and failure, delivering critical equipment exactly when and where it’s needed.
But beyond the efficiency gains, the value lies in the partnership.
“We had a great time. Everyone learned proper hand signals and how to safely get the gear onboard,” Pacheco said. “Long-term, this skill should be something that would benefit everyone it could affect, if it were ever needed.”
That shared investment in readiness is at the heart of exercise African Lion 2026, U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise. Bringing together more than 5,600 civilian and military personnel from over 40 nations, the exercise spans Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, emphasizing interoperability, innovation, and partner-led regional security.
Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), African Lion is more than a demonstration of capability, it’s a commitment. A commitment to building trust, strengthening alliances, and ensuring that when the mission calls, forces across continents can respond as one.
Back on the flightline in Kenitra, the engines quieted, but the impact remained.
In the span of 45 minutes, a procedure was taught. A partnership was strengthened. And a shared readiness, built through sweat, precision, and trust, moved one step closer to reality.
About African Lion
African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.
African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS
By Staff Sgt. Nash Truitt