OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Air Force officers from allied and partner nations across the Pacific visited Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, took part in the 2019 Fighter Logistics and Safety Symposium Sept. 2-8.
The symposium enabled forces from Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea and the U.S. to work together and improve interoperability in the region.
“Joint training is one of the best practices that should be maintained by the allied nations,” said Philippine air force Lt. Col. Perry James C Cortez, deputy commander of the 5th Fighter Wing. “This is the only way to unite and become coordinated among the allied forces in fighting common enemies to win the fight in times of armed conflicts.”
During the event, each countries’ representative conducted a presentation about challenges, solutions and unique procedures they use for their fighter aircraft.
“We got many ideas on how to improve our systems, particularly on the back-shops, the maintenance operations center, vehicle maintenance shop and the shelter standards,” Cortez said.
During their visit, the LASS participants visited units across the base for a first-hand look on how the U.S. Air Force operates at the tactical level. This included the munitions facility, armament back-shop, fabrication flight, military operations center and other units involved in the logistics and safety that make Osan a successful fighter wing.
“At the end of the day, when you are breaking bread with all of these different nations and getting to know each other, it all boils down to one thing,” said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey King, Pacific Air Forces director of logistics, engineering and force protection. “We are all just trying to get the job done.”