Bilateral air talks emphasize importance of Panama-US partnership Published Sept. 24, 2012 By Maj. Ricardo Huerta 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Plans and Requirements Directorate DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz. -- Highly successful air staff talks took place between 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) personnel and the National Aeronaval Service of Panama (SENAN) Aug. 27 - 30 in Panama City, Panama. The talks involved the sub-director of the Panamanian Aeronaval Service, the 12th Air Force (AFSOUTH) director of plans and requirements, and the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation. Also in attendance were representatives from the Missouri Air National Guard, as part of a program that partners Air National Guard units with foreign nation air forces to solidify relationships and encourage an exchange of best practices. This was the first iteration of air staff talks between these organizations, providing the framework for future working relationships between SENAN, AFSOUTH, and the Missouri National Guard for the mutual benefit of both air forces. As the air component to U.S. Southern Command, AFSOUTH conducts these types of events to interact with the militaries throughout South America, Central America and the Caribbean in order to promote security cooperation efforts in the reason. SENAN is a unique partner organization in that they merged successfully naval and air forces under civilian direction. The organization also recently celebrated their fourth year of existence. Throughout the conference, briefings provided by SENAN and follow-on discussions demonstrated that all parties are committed to working together on common goals and missions. An exchange on best practices in the areas of helicopter and fixed-wing maintenance and operations was provided by the Missouri National Guard, and future interactions were scheduled in the near future to bolster the partnership between the U.S. and Panamanian services.