AFSOUTH outlines U.S. cooperation with South America

  • Published
  • By Capt. Nathan D. Broshear
  • Blue Flag Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  The Air Forces Southern commander outlined how American Airmen interact with South American nations to build understanding between the nations.

"Military-to-military relationships are only the beginning of our mission," said Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip. 

"AFSOUTH Airmen are actively engaging our South American counterparts through exercises, outreach programs, medical and humanitarian events, military officer and enlisted exchange opportunities, joint professional exchanges and 'sister' squadron programs," the general said. 

AFSOUTH's myriad of opportunities to build and maintain personal and professional relationships are in direct support of U.S. Southern Command theater security cooperation goals and objectives.

"Airmen from every career field play a vital role in our joint programs," General Seip said. "Whether it's an enlisted civil engineer constructing a fresh water pump to bring water to a remote village, an Air Force doctor onboard the USS Comfort administering eye exams in a coastal town, or an F-16 pilot flying along side with Peruvian MiG-29 counterparts, building relationships is key to ensuring the long-term cooperation and understanding between our nations.

"In many of the South American nations, we've found civilians who have never before seen a doctor or had regular access to medical care," he said. "Every Airman who has been involved in these types of missions has expressed what a profound sense of pride they've felt while bringing critical care to people who are in need."

While many AFSOUTH events are humanitarian in nature, assistance to South American militaries and professional development opportunities at the individual level are a top priority for SOUTHCOM.

"We're expanding opportunities for Latin American airmen to attend professional military education courses such as Squadron Officer School and Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy," General Seip said. "These are outstanding opportunities to build personal and professional relationships, coordinate operations in large organizations and to manage one's team on an interpersonal level."

Twelfth Air Force and AFSOUTH has participated in and provided support for a variety of humanitarian and disaster relief missions, joint-force training exercises, international air shows, counter-drug support missions and professional exchange programs with Latin American militaries. 

"It's all about relationships," General Seip said. 

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