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U.S., Honduran Airmen keep communication lines open

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lesley Waters
  • 615th Contingency Response Wing public affairs
Communication is a vital key to any mission's success, especially when lives are on the line. There's no room for a busy signal - or no signal at all, for that matter.

This is just one of the reasons why the Honduran Air Force leadership has partnered up with the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, based out of Travis AFB, Calif. The MSAS Airmen are not just exchanging ideas about air mobility, they are building lasting partnerships based on common Airmen culture.

Communications was just one of the seven core competencies the Honduran Air Force and MSAS leadership worked together on during the month-long Building Partner Capacity mission. The BPC mission is designed to promote regional stability by fostering key relationships and enhancing partner-nation capabilities.

"Every day our partnership grows into an invaluable relationship," Claude Winfree, 571 MSAS RF transmission systems air advisor. "By partnering with the Honduran Air Force we have begun to take the necessary steps in avoiding future combat operations by assisting partner nations in developing solid air mobility infrastructures to aid our partners in economic growth in the global economy."

During the BPC mission opening ceremony Jan. 25, Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander said, "When Airmen work together, they find innovative approaches to problems, they improve processes, hone their skills and become better aviators, maintainers or communication specialists. They become better leaders and find creative solutions to challenges by exchanging and exploring ideas."

This is what Tech. Sgts. Brian De Luca and Winfree, 571 MSAS RF transmission systems air advisors, have done the past three weeks, working side-by-side with the Honduran Air Force on operating an RF-5800H-MP high frequency radio, putting up antennas, basic computer networking and computer repairs.

"Preparation and training is a major aspect of the mission of the MSAS," De Luca said. "Day-in and day-out we've been closing the communication gap and building a stronger international Air Force by ensuring our communication systems are working and accessible during a crisis situation. We are learning how to partner up and complement each other's needs."

Again, it all begins with communication and communication systems. Communication and communication systems enable partner nations with air mobility and related capabilities. The U.S. and Honduras have a strong partnership based on mutual respect, common interests and shared values. The two partner nations share concerns over the transnational threats impacting security. But, they also share in the responsibility to contribute to regional security; and it is by working together, that they stand the best chance of achieving our shared security goals.

"Our two Air Forces are taking a stand and solidifying a partnership that is aimed at making tomorrow a better for all the Americas" said Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Ulises Galvez, Honduran Air Force assistant communications and advanced air controller.