- Air Transport
Air Operations Support
This Branch amalgamates Combat Support (CS) and Combat Service Support (CSS) functions into a single entity that is the JAPCC’s ‘one-stop-shop’ for all functions that enable Air and Space Power projection. Areas of specific focus include, but are not limited to Air Mobility (Air Transport and Air to Air Refuelling), Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR), Joint Rotary Wing Operations, Electronic Warfare (EW), Force Protection (FP) and Logistics.
These activities are fundamental to the effective and resource-efficient delivery of NATO Air and Space Power. Furthermore, AOS must be considered in a holistic manner rather than as individual or discreet functions that are conducted in isolation. AOS is both a Force Enabler and a Force Multiplier. Put simply, it is the bedrock of NATO’s Air Operations.
Colonel
Erik
Rab
Joint Air Power Competence Centre
Colonel Erik Rab has been assigned to the JAPCC as the Branch Head Air Operations Support since November 2020. During his previous assignment he was a Senior Policy Advisor at the Directorate-General of Policy at the Ministry of Defence in The Hague. Col Rab was commissioned by the RNLAF Officer Training School in 1989. He has served as an operational pilot, tactical instructor pilot, flight supervisor, flight safety officer, staff officer, director of operations, and squadron commander. Col Rab is a command pilot with more than 2.500 flying hours on the F-16AM, F-16A, T-38 and T-37. His last operational assignment was the Commander of 322 Fighter Squadron at Leeuwarden Air Base. Following his operational career Col Rab transitioned to the USA to become the Assistant National Deputy for the Netherlands at the F-35 Joint Program Office in Arlington Virginia. When he returned to The Netherlands transitioned to the Directorate of Operations, Royal Netherlands Air Force Command in Breda to become the Head of the Fighter Operations Branch.
Information provided is current as of March 2022
Featured Publications
NATO’s Multinational MRTT Unit
An Update and Case Study for Future Defence Cooperation
By Lt Col
Isaiah
Oppelaar
In the 32 Since publishing, a number of developments within NATO’s Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) mission set warrants revisiting this topic. This article will provide a brief review of the formation of the MMU, update on the [...]
Introduction to the Resilient Basing Enhancement Workbook 2nd Edition
By Wg Cdr
Jez
Parkinson
By Lt Col
Frans
Van de Weerd
In order to better assess the current resilience level of Alliance members against a full range of threats, the JAPCC has published the Resilient Basing Enhancement Workbook in January 2023. This assessment takes a comprehensive [...]
A View from Above
Air Domain Focused Observations on the Ukraine Conflict
By Maj
Brian
Ladd
By Wg Cdr
Jez
Parkinson
By Col
Erik
Rab
By Lt Col
Marco
Sampimon
By Maj
Eelco
Tolsma
Although the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is still ongoing, with no prospect for termination of the hostilities in the foreseeable future, some initial observations can be made with respect to the air domain. These [...]
Subject Matter Experts
Major
Massimo Di Milia
Subject Matter Expert
Air Transport
Major Di Milia Massimo Di Milia joined the Italian AF in 2004. He was trained by the USAF and qualified as Military Pilot in 2009. Flying cargo and airlift missions on C-130’s throughout his operational career, he obtained all combat qualifications including assault landing, NVGs, cargo and parachute drops, either...
Commander
Marco Joudioux
Subject Matter Expert
Joint Personnel Recovery, Joint Rotary Wing
Commander Joudioux joined the Italian Navy in 1989, attended the US Navy flight school and in 1992 earned his “Wings of Gold” as a fixed-wing multi-engine pilot. He also served as an Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopter pilot on board several Italian Ships, flying UH1 helicopters. In 1999, he continued his flight...
Lieutenant Colonel
Isaiah Oppelaar
Subject Matter Expert
Air-to-Air Refueling
Lieutenant Colonel Isaiah L. Oppelaar is the Air Mobility Strategist, Joint Air Power Competence Centre (NATO), in Kalkar, Germany. In this role, he executes the JAPCC Program of Work for air mobility including leading the Global Air to Air Refuelling interoperability and compatibility efforts, supporting AIRCOM’s Specialized Heavy Air Refuelling...
Wing Commander (ret.)
Jez Parkinson
Subject Matter Expert
Force Protection
Wing Commander (ret.) Jez Parkinson is a RAF Regiment Officer with 33-years’ regular Service; over half in the Multinational environment and in excess of 7-years on operations. He continues to work as a Reservist in the Force Protection Environment and as a civilian on Asset Protection collaborating with the military,...
Lieutenant Colonel
Jared D. Thompson
Subject Matter Expert
Air Transport
Lieutenant Colonel Jared D. Thompson serves as Air Mobility Strategist, Joint Air Power Competence Centre (NATO), in Kalkar, Germany. In this role, he executes the JAPCC Program of Work for air mobility interoperability and compatibility efforts and supports the Military Committee Joint Standardization Board as Chairman of the Air Transportation...
Major
Eelco Tolsma
Subject Matter Expert
Joint Personnel Recovery, Joint Rotary Wing
Major Eelco S.Tolsma joined the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1987 to become a helicopter pilot. After earning his wings he started his flying career at 300 squadron at Deelen AB which he soon left to join 303 Search and Rescue Squadron at Leeuwarden AB in the northern part of...
Lieutenant Colonel
Frans van de Weerd
Subject Matter Expert
Logistics
Lieutenant Colonel Van de Weerd has served for more than 40 years in the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). He served in various fighter related weapon system support positions at depots and staff positions at the RNLAF Headquarters and the Defense Material Command. He dealt with Foreign Military Sales challenges...
