JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The U.S. Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Air Force will participate in exercise Cope Taufan 16, July 18-29, at Pangkalan Udara Butterworth and Pangkalan Udara Subang, Malaysia.

Cope Taufan 16 provides an excellent opportunity to improve combined readiness and interoperability between the U.S. and Malaysia. This large force employment exercise will include operations in air superiority, airborne command and control, close air support, interdiction, air refueling and tactical airlift and air drop.

The U.S. is committed to strengthening partnerships with Malaysia and is honored to participate in this year’s event. The following U.S. Air Force units and aircraft are participating in Cope Taufan 16:

- 517th Airlift Squadron, 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (C-17A)

- 535th Airlift Squadron, 15th Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii (C-17A)

- 909th Air Refueling Squadron, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan (KC-135)

-13th Air Expeditionary Group, PACAF, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii (CT16 Staff)

-13th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base, Japan (F-16CM/D)

- 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan (E-3C)

- 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan (F-15 C/D)

The exercise allows for an exchange of techniques and procedures to enhance interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and Royal Malaysian airmen. It also provides a quality training venue for U.S. and Malaysian aircrew and maintenance personnel.

Pacific Air Forces has conducted exercises with the Royal Malaysian Air Force since the early 1980s. By participating in exercises with military forces from partner nations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to peace and stability in the region. Additional information may be obtained by contacting PACAF/PA at 808-448-3227 or via e-mail at pacaf.paop@us.af.mil.