Ghana's top AF leader visits 3rd Air Force bases

  • Published
  • By Capt Heather Healy
  • 3rd Air Force Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (USAFENS) --  A high-level Ghana air force leader visited 3rd Air Force bases in England and Germany Feb. 14 to 17.

The visit by Air Vice Marshal Edward Mantey, chief of air staff for Ghana’s air force, was part of European Command’s familiarization program that brings senior officers of foreign air forces to U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases to observe operations, facilities and support organizations in an effort to build military-to military relationships.

“The visit was a real eye opener,” said Marshal Mantey. “We felt it would be important to ask ‘what do (U.S. Air Force Airmen) do to make (their Air Force) so efficient?’”

Exchanging information about how the U.S. Air Force does business was the primary focus for both countries.

Marshal Mantey and other senior leaders from Ghana’s air force toured facilities and operations of the 100th Air Refueling Wing, 352nd Special Operations Group, and the 48th Fighter Wing.

They also had the opportunity to talk with senior leaders of U.S. Air Forces in Europe staff at Ramstein Air Base.

“During the visit, the senior officers get the chance to see us operating on our home territory as opposed to only seeing us operate during contingencies,” said Capt. Jim Rice, 3rd Air Force Sub-Saharan Africa foreign area officer.

“The trip is designed to be informative and hopefully influence these leaders to modernize and professionalize their militaries along our lines. At the same time, we get a better idea during the visit of their capabilities and organization,” said Captain Rice.

According to Marshal Mantey, what struck him the most during his visit was the dedication and enthusiasm each Airman had for the mission as well as the awareness they displayed for how their job supported that mission.

On the surface, the missions of the U.S. Air Force and Ghana air force appear very different. Ghana’s military transport aircraft, helicopters and personnel typically support the government’s civil authorities with disaster management and search and rescue capabilities.

Beneath the surface, however, the missions are very similar.

“Last fall I traveled to Ghana,” said Maj. Gen. Mike Gould, 3rd Air Force commander. “I received a wonderful reception from their well-disciplined, well-trained Airmen. As we continue with the Global War on Terrorism it becomes clear that Ghana and the U.S. share the same concern: a war without boundaries.”

Both Marshal Mantey and General Gould agree: the engagement visits are about building lasting friendships that mutually benefit both countries.

The Ghanaians receive access to specialized teams that can help train their Airmen in flight safety, maintenance operations, personnel processes, and enlisted force development.

For the U.S. Air Force the relationship offers access to airfields and an ally in West Africa, according to General Gould.

“If our Air Force ever needed anything that Ghana could provide, I know Marshall Mantey would respond. These relationships are very important,” said General Gould.

Marshal Mantey agreed.

“We have very common interests,” said Marshal Mantey. “Terrorism has no boundaries. We shall open our arms and give the U.S. the assistance we can give.”