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12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) training team builds a secure partnership with Panamanian Air Force

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Adam Grant
  • 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz. --  Members from a 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) mobile training team recently finished its first fully integrated training team event with the Panamanian Air Force.

Master Sgt. Roberto Vasquez, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) A3/5 Superintendent, and Master Sgt. Jeremy Jacobs, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Tactical Aircraft Manager, took part in the 20- day temporary duty assignment aimed at building partner capacity.

The training team's focus was on two main areas; advanced micro-soldering and the quality assurance instructor course.

"Our first requested objective was the assisting our counterparts with on the job training and development in both soldering and advanced soldering techniques," said Jacobs.

The advance techniques included component troubleshooting, circuit board component installation and removal of transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors on single and double plated circuit card pads.

"We were amazed with how quickly all 10 of the students were able to complete the task in accordance with the technical order," said Jacobs.

The assistance the mobile training team provided to the Panamanian Air Force now ensures there able to repair line replaceable units that otherwise would have been discarded or sent back for remanufacture.

"Having an in-country repair facility will save countless dollars and a considerable amount of time while also raising the aircraft mission capable rate," said Jacobs.

The second objective for the mobile training team was to assist in the development of a Quality Assurance (QA) program.

"This block started with the responsibilities of a QA inspector and discussed all the programs to incorporate into a flying program to utilize their aircraft, resources, and personnel more efficiently," said Vasquez.

The training ended with the team explaining the different types of personnel evaluation and also the importance of instilling a culture of safety.

"During our brief trip to Panama we were able to meet all of our mission objectives and were able to assist in the development of two new capabilities for our Panamanian counterparts that will significantly assist in the overall success of the mission," said Vasquez.