LEAP translates strategy into action during first-in-a-generation DLE exercise series

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Julie Tatemoto, left, 51st Operations Support Squadron airfield operations director of operations and Language Enabled Airman Program participant, Osan Air Base, South Korea, talks with a member of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force during the U.S. Air Force’s 2025 Department-Level Exercise series at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 22, 2025. LEAP empowers the DLE by enhancing linguistic and cultural interoperability, enabling more effective collaboration and mission success with partners and allies. DLE 2025 is a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities, making a stronger, more lethal deterrent force. The DLE encompasses all branches of the Department of Defense, along with Allies and partners, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jade M. Caldwell)