Port Dawgs, loadmaster team up in Colombia mission

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mateo Escareno
  • 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron air advisor
BOGOTA, Colombia --  The 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron took another step forward in Air Mobility Command's Building Partnership mission by completing a three-week engagement from April 14 to May 3 in Bogota, Colombia.

Promoting regional stability, the 571st MSAS and Colombian air force increased their partner nation capabilities by building stronger mutual support and interoperability. The mission also supported the 12th Air Forces Air Force Southern continued joint relationships in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility of Central and Southern America, along with the Caribbean.

"The Colombian air force already possesses the necessary tools to accomplish the mission, but together we worked as one team to better prepare for the future," said Tech. Sgt. Vaughn Awa, 571st MSAS loadmaster air adviser.

Within the three-week engagement, 571st MSAS and Colombian air force Airmen worked side by side, exchanging valuable knowledge to include winching operations, engine running onload and offload, as well as hazardous material cargo preparation. Both nations participated in a mutual-based forum via interactive classroom discussions along with hands-on procedures.

Throughout the course of the engagement, the Colombian air force gained a more thorough insight on how to manage and utilize its equipment to improve its capabilities.

"The personnel of the 571st MSAS gave us the ability to build stronger bonds of international air force cooperation and also some insight on capabilities we weren't aware we had," said Técnico Subjefe Jorge Barragan Zapata, Colombian air force loadmaster. "Working side by side leads to further stability and security in our country."

From previous engagements in Colombian cities of Bogota, Palanquero and Barranquilla, the 571 MSAS mission proves the building partnership mission is spreading throughout the country.

"We are here to assist the Colombian air force in increasing its mobility systems' capacity," said Maj. Gary Symon, 571st MSAS Colombia mission commander. "Our partnership pays dividends for both nations. We all learn new approaches to efficient, effective and safe air cargo transport."