CENTCOM leader visits Oman, builds relationships

  • Published
  • By Maj. Mark Visconi
  • U.S. Central Air Forces Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Continuing to build long-term relationships throughout the Middle East, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces visited Oman and Omani Air Force senior leaders to discuss cooperative interaction between their respective countries.

As part of continuing and ongoing CENTCOM theater security cooperation events and bilateral interactions, Lt. Gen. Gary North met with close partner and friend, Air Vice Marshal Yahya al-Juma, the Royal Air Force Oman commander, and other Omani Air Force senior leaders.

During this visit, General North and AVM Yahya discussed at length key issues affecting both air forces. Issues ranged from combined training opportunities and support agreements in Oman to coalition air operations in Iraq.

Both leaders were quick to acclaim the long-standing, strong relationship between the United States and Oman and, in particular, the solid partnership enjoyed by the two long time commanders and aviators.

"Stability in the region is only possible through the cooperation of partner nations," said General North. "The United States Air Force has enjoyed a long standing air and space power presence in the region that has been constant and sustained since 1990. Through the help and support of many regional partners in exercises and training events, continue our strong relationships in the region that enable safety and stability in the Middle East."

While maintaining military relations, General North's outreach also extended to Ambassador Gary Grappo and senior American embassy military personnel to discuss staff support matters which included reviewing the status of existing agreements between the partner nations.

Rounding out the visit, Ambassador Grappo and General North discussed the effects of key economic and security factors, focusing across the region as a whole.

The following day, General North traveled to Thumrait Air Base, Oman, where he met with squadron leaders to recognize the importance of continued U.S. Air Force and RAF Oman cooperation. In his address, General North expressed his appreciation for the Omani Air Force's strong leadership in the Gulf region and throughout the Middle East.

In a show of friendship and cooperation, General North was afforded the opportunity to fly in a RAF Oman F-16 Fighting Falcon as part of a two-ship formation flight.

Following the sortie, he commended the squadron commander, Maj. Khamis al-Ghafri, for his unit's outstanding performance and thanked him for the chance to witness firsthand its readiness and capabilities.

"Professionalism in flying squadrons is universal throughout the world and it's always an honor to fly with fellow Airmen," said General North. "They clearly fly as proud members of their air force in their F-16s, and I was honored to be hosted for the day and for the opportunity to visit with their pilots and maintenance personnel."

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