JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- U.S. Air Force Airmen and their counterparts from the Royal Brunei Air Force met virtually for the first-ever Airman-to-Airman Talks, or A2AT, Dec. 8-9.
The talks provide an avenue to develop interoperability, foster military-to-military relations and improve bilateral cooperation. The U.S. and partner nation air forces conduct these engagements to plan for upcoming bilateral activities and establish partner goals.
“Our combined effort to proceed with a virtual Airman-to-Airman despite the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to both our Air Forces’ desire to not only deepen our relationship but work closely together to achieve our shared goals,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Munter, Pacific Air Forces International Affairs Division Chief.
During the virtual meeting, there were various working groups where a number topics were discussed including, logistics and maintenance, defense procurement, unmanned aircraft systems, exercises and engagements and professional military education.
“I couldn’t stress more how important this Airman-to-Airman Talks is to us,” said Royal Brunei Air Force Col. Harmadi bin Hj Mamit. “We will continue to play our part in respect to what you have been doing to stabilize the Pacific region.”
Though this is the first A2AT between the U.S. and Brunei, the Royal Brunei Air Force Air Chief attended the Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium in December 2019 where air chiefs from more than 15 countries gathered. The symposium allowed formal discussions and panels that focused on regional security, domain awareness, multi-domain operations, interoperability and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
This being the first time the two air forces have conducted an A2AT, it will lay the foundation for future PACAF-Royal Brunei Air Force engagements.
“This is a very historic event and I am nothing short of impressed by what was accomplished in such a short period of time,” said Munter. “I am confident that because of the talks today, the relationship between the members of our Air Forces will grow and mature. Our shared goal is for a free and open Indo-Pacific…By strengthening our robust network with like-minded allies and partners based on shared principles, we will continue to support a safe, secure and prosperous region in accordance with international rules and norms.”
The next A2AT between the two countries is scheduled to take place in Brunei in 2022.