U.S., Indonesian airmen complete annual air mobility exercise

  • Published
  • By Capt. Raymond Geoffroy
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
HALIM AIR BASE, Indonesia (AFNS) --  The annual week-long combined exercise between Indonesian and U.S. Air Force personnel, known as Exercise Cope West, came to a close here June 24.

More than 70 Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, and three C-130 Hercules aircraft with Yokota's 36th Airlift Squadron, as well as one Indonesian Air Force C-130, participated in the bilateral field training exercise, which was designed to enhance the readiness and combined interoperability between the two air forces.

According to Lt. Col. Pete Kelley, Yokota's Cope West detachment commander, the exercise was a success thanks to the efforts of Airmen working to launch aircraft from Halim and directing airdrops from the ground at the Gorda drop zone in Binguang district, Indonesia.

During the exercise, Indonesian and U.S. airmen worked side-by-side to exchange air mobility tactics, techniques and procedures during a series of classroom-style subject matter expert exchanges and combined cargo and personnel airdrops.

"In doing so, we have enhanced interoperability of our air forces and improved our readiness to respond to regional crises," Colonel Kelley said.

Throughout the week, Indonesian and U.S. Airmen overcame cultural, procedural and language barriers to successfully complete the exercise by operating together.

"Because of our excellent cooperation, willingness and organization, this joint exercise has been completed," said Col. Tri Bowo, the 1st Air Wing commander with the Indonesian Air Force. "For our next training opportunity, we will work to achieve even greater accomplishments. We are sure that future programs will be successful."

In addition to enhancing combined operating methods, the exercise also improved international relations between the two countries.

"Our efforts here at Cope West have strengthened the bonds of friendship between the U.S. and Indonesia" Colonel Kelley said. "This healthy relationship, in turn, ensures the continued success of our combined operations and exercises for years to come. It would be a privilege to be invited back to Indonesia in the future."

Cope West gave Airmen the opportunity to work together as a team to sharpen their skills. For many, the exercise offered a new perspective on their individual impacts on the mission.

"One of the biggest things I'll take away is the understanding that even though my job is a small piece of the puzzle, I can still see how it all comes together," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Callahan, a flying crew chief with the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "It's not just about fixing planes; it's about getting the mission done and making an impact."

As the exercise drew to a close, U.S. and Indonesian airmen exchanged unit patches, photos and other mementos from their week together. For these men and women, Cope West 11 had ended, but the memories and friendships forged during the exercise would endure.