ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi met with partners to reinforce U.S., Australian and New Zealand military interoperability during a trip within Oceania Dec. 7–13.
During his trip, Flosi met with Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force senior leaders, U.S. service members assigned to Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica and saw the efforts U.S. Airmen are making to familiarize themselves with the E-7 Wedgetail.
"The collaboration between the U.S., Australian and New Zealand forces is vital for our shared mission to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Flosi said. “These partnerships not only reinforce our strategic posture but also enable us to face evolving challenges together."
The trip underscored the critical shared commitment between the three nations, along with the need to continue integrating together in a dynamic security environment.
During his bilateral meetings with Warrant Officer of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Guy Lipsham, they discussed the importance of strengthening the U.S. defense partnership with New Zealand and how to further training opportunities between both nations.
Following the meetings and Royal New Zealand Air Force change of responsibility, Flosi met with service members assigned to Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica, and learned how the organization builds relationships with allies in the Indo-Pacific and strategic logistical support for the U.S. Antarctic Program.
While in Australia, Flosi saw how U.S. Airmen and RAAF members are leveraging the Military Personnel Exchange Program to drive bilateral capabilities for E-7 Wedgetail operations.
"Expanding our Military Personnel Exchange Programs is essential for fostering deeper collaboration and mutual understanding,” Flosi said. “These initiatives strengthen our alliances, enhance interoperability and ensure our forces are prepared to operate seamlessly in a complex and dynamic security environment."
With more than 60 U.S. Airmen operating from RAAF Williamtown, the combined team is fully integrated into the E-7A mission and sharing knowledge and experience between Royal Australian Air Force and U.S. Air Force operations both in garrison, and while deployed.
“Seeing our Airmen work hand-in-hand with the Royal Australian Air Force to enhance E-7 Wedgetail operations reaffirms integration and knowledge sharing are key to driving mission success,” said Flosi. “Our combined efforts help set the standard for regional air power cooperation."
Flosi also met with Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell the and the Warrant Officer of the Air Force Ralph Clifton, to reinforce the bilateral partnership with Australia as a lynchpin for region stability and deterrence. Afterward, Flosi and Clifton laid a wreath during the Last Call ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.
As the U.S. Air Force continues to optimize for Great Power Competition, key visits and engagements like these reinforce the critical role U.S. allies and partners have in supporting and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.