COMUSAFE makes first trip to Africa

  • Published
  • By Maj. Krista Carlos
  • U.S. Air Force Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  As part of an effort to reach out and meet various military and defense leaders throughout the theater, Gen. Tom Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Gary Coleman, USAFE command chief, visited Cape Verde, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco to forge relations and look for opportunities to train with other militaries during the general's first visit to Africa June 22 to 28.

Before meeting with military leadership though, the travel party made a quick stop at Cape Verde, where Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing and the 86th Airlift Wing were deployed in support of NATO's Exercise Steadfast Jaguar. During their visit, the general and chief talked to members of the 22nd Fighter Squadron who described the exercise as a great experience.

"The exercise has been outstanding training for my folks," said Lt. Col. Matt Chesnutt, 22nd FS and deployed wing commander. "The high point has been the close air support training with the special operations teams from NATO, mainly the German team. It's the first time fighters have ever been to Cape Verde so we've really had a great time."

The general's visit culminated in an amphibious and land assault demonstration that showcased the NATO Response Force's show of force and diplomatic muscle flexing.

The next part of the trip had a different flavor than Cape Verde. The purpose of the visits to Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco was primarily to establish relationships with the various military leaders and look for small ways to work together.

"I think small successes lead to big successes," said General Hobbins during his visit with Gen. Abdelkader Lounes, Algerian Air Forces commander. "I welcome opportunities to focus and train together and build a way for us to work together."

In Algeria, General Hobbins and Chief Coleman focused on issues from NCO training opportunities to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and received a tour of Boufarik Air Base.

"I was very impressed with the professionalism of the Algerian Air Force and was happy to have the opportunity to meet the military and civilians at the base," said General Hobbins. "I chose to visit Algeria for our strong relationship and their ability and focus on fighting the war on terrorism. My only regret is not spending more time there."

During the next stops through Tunisia and Morocco, General Hobbins and Chief Coleman again focused on small ways to work with their militaries.

"Tunisia is my second stop and I would like to find some small areas where we can find a successful Mil to Mil engagement project," the general reemphasized during his country team visit with the U.S embassy there. "I would love to do combined air refueling or C-130 load training and look for ways to work with their NCOs."

After a successful trip to Tunisia, the party continued on to Morocco, where Gen. Ahmed Boutaleb, the Royal Moroccan Air Force commander, outlined a variety of ways, from joint exercises to medical services, that USAFE could assist them, and was very excited about working with the U.S. Air Force on future endeavors.

Upon conclusion of the trip, Chief Coleman remarked "it appears that all of us could benefit from exchanges and we look forward to opportunities to work together. We are already pursuing NCO Academy opportunities for some of the countries' senior enlisted members and are excited about training together in the near future."