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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
Joint Air Power Competence Centre
Römerstrasse 140
47546 Kalkar
Germany
Joint Air Power Competence Centre
Römerstrasse 140
47546 Kalkar
Germany
+49 (0) 2824 90 2201
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