Mutual respect
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Chris Sheppard, Air National Guard assistant to the Commander, Pacific Air Forces, shakes hands with Philippine air force Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, Philippine air force commanding general, before the opening ceremony of exercise Cope Thunder – Philippines 25-1 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 7, 2025. The U.S.-Philippines alliance supports regional and global security by enabling readiness, strengthening deterrence and fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)