Airmen work alongside Peruvian military during joint exercise Published March 21, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson 12th Air Force Public Affairs and Air Forces Southern CHICLAYO, Peru (AFNEWS -- Approximately 150 Airmen are participating in a joint military exercise with the Peruvian air force scheduled to continue through Feb. 16 here. Exercise Falcon Condor 07 allows the U.S military to build relationships with military and civilian leaders of Peru. "This exercise give us the opportunity to deploy to a South American base, visit with some of our friends and to advance some of the security interests of the United States," said Col. Todd Harmer, the co-director of Falcon Condor. "It demonstrates our commitment to our friends and allies in the Western Hemisphere and shows how important the region is to us while working on a one-on-one level with the air force and government of Peru." U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in the exercise are the C-130 Hercules, E-3 Sentry, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the B-1 Lancer. "I think so far things are going great," said Peruvian Lt. Col Roberto Shaefer, the officer in charge of the exercise. "I hope that the remaining few days of the joint operation will continue to be a positive challenge." Following the four-day exercise, the team will travel to Lima, Peru, to participate in a joint air show. A number of American aircraft will serve as static displays. The Peruvian air show will be the first of the year for 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern. The joint exercise and air show directly supports U.S. Southern Command's engagement goals and furthers relations between allied nations.