17th Air Force officials discuss air operations organization with Botswana delegation

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Alec Lloyd
  • 17th Air Force Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  What is the best way to organize an air operations center? That is the question a delegation of officers from the Botswana Defense Force is seeking to answer with help from 17th Air Force, also known as U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Air Forces Europe's 603rd Air Operations Center officials here.

Lt. Col. Patrick Seboko, Maj. Tshireletso Mophonkolo, Maj. Moemedi Sosong and Maj. Charles Johnson spent four days at Ramstein Air Base and Einsedlerhof Air Station to learn about American air operations center operational procedures, organization and equipment.

"The BDF is not necessarily looking at doing things as we do, but more that they are looking at how we accomplish certain tasks," said Master Sgt. Paul Bergerson of the 617th Air Operations Center. "They want to see if our procedures and staff functions can be incorporated into their daily operations."

Currently, the Botswana Defense Force uses an air operations center organization based on that of an Indian air operations center. As contact has increased between the United States and Botswana officials, the Botswana Defense Force is taking advantage of the opportunity to improve their system. They are also the first African nation to visit the air ground operations school at nearby Einsiedlerhof AS.

"I appreciate the organization, courtesy and care that has been shown to us," said Major Johnson. "The briefings were well done. A thousand cheers to 17th Air Force from the Botswana team. We look forward to future interactions."

Maj. Andrei Mitran from the 617th AOC was one of the presenters and was impressed by the attentiveness and keen understanding demonstrated by the Botswana delegation. 

"It was a wonderful start to hopefully a long friendship," he said. "These were great officers, and we hope for more interactions."