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Latin American Air Chiefs attend conference aimed at building partnership capacity

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kelly Ogden
  • 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz. --  Air Chiefs from four different nations united to attend the Latin American Interoperability Workshop at Air Forces Southern, Feb. 26 -28.

Conference attendees included Gen. Aprigio Eduardo De Moura Azevedo, Brazilian Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Tito Pinilla, Colombian Air Force Commander in Chief, Gen. Jorge Rojas, Chilean Air Force Commander in Chief, and Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander.

The objective of the workshop was aimed at getting influential Air Forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility together to develop ways to increase interoperability between partner nation Air Forces.

"Gen. Rand invited the Air Chiefs to participate in the Latin American Interoperability Workshop to discuss how we can collectively look at supporting Central America in combating transnational organized crime," said Maj. Guillermo Torres, 12th Air Force (AFSOUTH) Theater Security Cooperation Division Chief. "This is not the first Regional Air Chief Conference that we've hosted but it is the first one focused on support to Central America."

During the workshop participants were able to exchange information on what each respective Air Force is doing in Central America. This free flow of information allowed for the four Air Forces to synergize efforts in the region, which saves time, money and leads to increased overall mission effectiveness.

"These types of events allow for a better understanding of partner nation capabilities, leading to increased interoperability between Air Forces," said Torres. "They also provide an opportunity to find common areas of interest for future engagement and partnerships."