U.S., Bangladesh Airmen increase interoperability during talks

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kamaile Casillas
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  "We have been looking forward to these talks and are hopeful this will be a fruitful engagement for us," said Bangladesh Air Force Air Commodore M Sayed Hossain, director of air training, Air Headquarters, during opening remarks at the second annual U.S. and Bangladesh Airman-to-Airman (A2A) talks held here, August 8 to 10.

Hossain led a delegation of four Bangladesh airmen who met with U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Russell Mack, Pacific Air Forces deputy commander, and 16 PACAF personnel to discuss the way ahead for military cooperation between the two air forces.

The A2A talks are designed to foster military-to-military relationships with regional partners and pave the way for future collaboration.

The goals of the three-day talks were reviewing the effectiveness of already established exercise and engagement programs, increasing the interoperability between the two air forces and empowering effective responses particularly in the areas of counterterrorism, maritime security, peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief.

In recent years, military cooperation between both countries has included Bangladesh hosting U.S. Pacific Command and PACAF exercises like Cope South, participating in Pacific Airlift Rally, Pacific Angel, and various subject matter expert exchanges, and observing Red Flag-Alaska and most recently Mobility Guardian.

"This opportunity allows us to help both our nations grow together," Hossain said. "We look forward to many more training exchanges in the near future."

Many of these key engagements have been successful and talks such as these further strengthen the U.S. and Bangladesh relationship as both air forces continue to seek engagement opportunities that preserve peace and stability in the region.

"Simply put, as Airmen, we share many common goals," Mack said. "We can make a difference by collaborating to enhance peace, security and stability in this region and we recognize the Bangladesh Air Force's immense impact around the globe. We look forward to continuing this rewarding dialogue at next year's talks."