- 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
Marco
Kathmann
Joint Air Power Competence Centre
Colonel Marco Kathmann has been assigned to the JAPCC as the Branch Head Air Operations Support since September 2023. During his previous assignment he was Staff Officer Operations at the Permanent Joint Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to NATO in Brussels. After graduating as an officer in 1986, Col Kathmann served as platoon commander, director of operations and squadron commander. Col Kathmann is a Force protection officer, and his last operational assignment was Commander of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command. Following his operational career Col Kathmann was appointed Chief of Cabinet of the Commander Royal Netherlands Air Force and subsequently as Director of Compliance/National Security Authority at the Ministry of Defence.
Information provided is current as of October 2023
Featured Publications
Supporting NATO Deterrence in the Baltic States through Host Nation Support
A Logistical Perspective
By Lt Col
Francesco
Facchi
‘Prospicere in pace oportet quod bellum iuvet’ – ‘Prepare in peace what you may need for war.’ This timeless Latin adage has never been more relevant. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reshaped Europe’s security landscape, [...]
Joint Personnel Recovery in an Urban Environment
By Lt Col
Javier
Aguilar Gonzalez
By Mr
Marco
Gazzaniga
By Cdr
Andrea
Magi
By Maj
Brian
Nielsen
Urban warfare is not a new phenomenon: Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, and Gaza are just some of the most recent examples. As global urbanization accelerates, it becomes increasingly probable that the Alliance will be involved in [...]
The Role of Industry
Bolstering Deterrence Through Enhanced Capabilities
By Cdr
Marco
Joudioux
By Lt Col
Florin
Sandu
By Lt Col
Bjorn
van der Linden
At the 2014 Wales Summit, NATO Allies adopted the Defence Investment Pledge. This pledge declared the importance of defence spending in the modern era, specifically emphasizing the allocation of at least 20% of defence expenditures [...]
Subject Matter Experts
Lieutenant Colonel
Francesco Facchi
Subject Matter Expert
Logistics
Lieutenant Colonel Facchi joined the Italian Air Force in 1995 and completed Basic Training qualifying in air logistics. He was initially assigned to 6th Wing at Ghedi Air Force Base, as Chief of Logistic and Supply Service, and Director of Wing Warehouse until 1999. He was then posted to the...
Commander
Marco Joudioux
Subject Matter Expert
Joint Personnel Recovery, Joint Rotary Wing
Commander Joudioux embarked on his career with the Italian Navy in 1989. He completed the rigorous US Navy flight school, earning the prestigious “Wings of Gold” in 1992 as a fixed-wing multi-engine pilot. He served as an Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopter pilot aboard various Italian ships, operating UH1 helicopters. In 1999,...
Lieutenant Colonel
Bjorn van der Linden
Subject Matter Expert
Force Protection
Lieutenant Colonel Bjorn van der Linden is a Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Force Protection practitioner with over 20 years of experience. After graduating as an officer in 2003, Lieutenant Colonel van der Linden served, amongst others, as Deputy Head of Force Protection of the Dutch Defence Helicopter Command at...
Major
Eric Yuan
Subject Matter Expert
Air-to-Air Refueling
Major Eric Yuan 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 Course (SHARC),...
