USAFE-AFAFRICA Band participates in Congolese Independence Day parade
Congolese Defense Forces Capt Emamou Mbalanzan, Congolese Band Commander, shakes hands with U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Rafael Toro-Quinoñes, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band commander, following the Republic of the Congo’s 65th Independence Day parade in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Aug. 15, 2025. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band became the first foreign military band to participate in a Congolese Independence Day parade, highlighting historic cooperation and strengthening bilateral defense ties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dominik Halnais)