Airmen build rapport with community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Host Nation Coordination Cell here are liaisons between American forces and host nation officials to keep the wing mission flowing.

"The primary mission of HNCC is to facilitate and coordinate all interaction between the U.S. military and the (host nation) government to include any customs, security, immigration, infrastructure and frequency management related issues," said Lt. Col. Sammie Willingham, the 379th AEW/HNCC deputy commander. 

"Our role is to be the liaison between the U.S. military and contractors working on behalf of the Department of Defense and the (host nation)," Colonel Willingham said.

"There are many pieces of equipment that are either deployed to (Southwest Asia) or transit through (Southwest Asia) that need coordination and clearance with the appropriate entity in the (host nation)," said the Jackson, Miss., native. "We also make sure all U.S. citizens coming into and leaving the country have the proper clearance." 

The 17-member cell touches approximately 75 to 80 percent of all the missions on the base. HNCC members maintain a close bond between U.S. and host nation forces.

"We are the ones who deal directly with the colonels and generals at the (host nation's) headquarters to get anything coordinated," said Capt. Christine Carr, the 379th AEW/HNCC customs officer in charge. "Our job requires a lot of negotiating; it takes a lot of drinking tea and talking."

Almost everything that happens on this base needs host nation approval because it's their base, said the native of Mary Esther, Fla.

To ensure proper communication, especially when the technical jargon is more apparent, the four translators within the cell help to effectively nullify the language barrier between the two forces.

"A lot of our host nation counterparts do speak some English, but when the communication gets too technical that's when we definitely need the translators," said Captain Carr, deployed from Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. "They help us ensure the right messages are being delivered both ways."

Ensuring proper communication allows the wing to carry out its mission. In this rotation alone, HNCC members coordinated with the host nation to get more than 3,000 waivers for cargo to be brought into the country.

"If the base needs building supplies from the airport or one of the seaports, that information has to come through us so we can request a waiver to have those items brought into the country," she said. "Somehow we touch almost everything and everyone. "Everyone coming into the country has to come through customs, and we directly work with the host nation to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Sometimes it can be a challenge though, said Tech. Sgt. Willie Cooper, the 379th AEW/HNCC customs NCO in charge. "There are host nation sensitivities everyone must be aware of.

"Most people deploying to this country or coming through here don't realize that this isn't our base," said the native of Pontiac, Mich. "We are guests and visitors here. Most people don't realize we have to follow their rules. It can be a big headache for those who do not realize that. 

HNCC officials' primary concern when personnel are entering the country is to prevent deportation.

Anyone who violates the host nation's rules or immigrates improperly into the country is at great risk of being deported and that has a large negative impact to the mission, Captain Carr said.

"We have an excellent relationship with the host nation, and as long as we follow the rules we'll be good," she said.

"Seeing the mission getting accomplished tells us that we made sure all of the proper coordination was in place to ensure the right personnel and right piece of equipment got to its proper destination," Colonel Willingham said.

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