Gabon commanders visit German bases in security familiarization

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jim Fisher
  • 17th Air Force Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  Two Gabonese air base commanders visited Ramstein, Sembach and Spangdahlem air bases in Germany Jan. 17 through 20.

The trip, focused on air base defense.

"The sorts of threats that exist in Gabon also exist here," said Gabon air force Col. Jean Paulin Asseko Makoka, the commander of Liberville Air Force Base. "We have spent time discussing various threats, and we now have a better understanding of how the U.S. Air Force confronts these threats and the measures they take to mitigate them."

The orientation encompassed a wide range of security forces operations at the three installations, including training programs.
At Sembach AB, they took part in station training ranging from a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle familiarization to tactical casualty combat care. At Ramstein AB, they spent time observing everything from flightline security to K-9 operations. Among the activities on the itinerary at Spangdahlem AB were meetings with security forces leaders and a visit to the shooting range.

The visit was the latest in a series of capacity-building engagements between the two countries, and Gabon air force Col. Jean-Francois Asseko Bekogo, the commander of the Mvengue Air Force Base, said the visit was indicative of how positive and beneficial the relationship has been.

"There is really no limit to the possibilities of cooperation between Gabon and the U.S.," Colonel Asseko Bekogo. "It's a data point for how positive the relationship is. And we are very much interested in the training. Even though there is a big difference between the assets and materiel at Ramstein AB versus what we have in Gabon, the tactics and techniques used here can be applied in Gabon."

That application means increased capacity, which not only benefits the Gabonese but their partners as well.
Tech. Sgt. LeighAnn Weigold, the 86th Security Forces Squadron Flight Operations NCO in charge, said because security threats are universal, partner nations need to work in step to address them.

"I've learned that no matter what rank, what branch or even what country, everyone has security concerns," she said. "It's very important we be on the same page with our partners in dealing with these concerns."

Sergeant Weigold said 86th SFS experts showed the Gabonese airmen operationally and cost effective. She was enthusiastic about passing on techniques that will make Gabon safer for Gabonese airmen and civilians.

"They are just very warm, caring people, and they really want to learn more about how we secure our bases," she said. "It means a lot to me as a security forces member that they are going to take back and apply our technique, and if we work together in the future, we could benefit directly from these measures."

Master Sgt. Mike Keeler, the manager for assessments and engagements of 17th Air Force's security directorate said the successful visit could not have been possible without support from the security forces elements at all three installations.

"We are always eager to engage with our African partners and we are especially proud when we can bring them here and show them the kind of quality people we have standing watch over our forces and resources," he said.