Pacific Air Forces strengthens partnerships during Pacific Defender

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jimmie Pike
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The Security Forces Division of Pacific Air Forces Directorate of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, hosted Pacific Defender 2024, a security forces subject matter expert exchange event, on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 10 - 14.

The multilateral exchange was attended by air force representatives from several countries include Singapore, Indonesia, and United Kingdom to name a few. Known colloquially as PAC DEFENDER, the exchange focuses on building and strengthening partnerships; increasing interoperability with participating Allies and partners; and improving cross-cultural communication to enhance readiness for real world security concerns.

“This subject matter exchange is our premiere partnership and engagement series for Air Base security and force protection,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Beene, PACAF Security Forces division. “We focus on command, tactics, trainings and more. Pacific Defender ties into the Theater Security Cooperation; to Humanitarian and Disaster Relief; and everything we do.”

During the event, attendees were briefed on the overall PAC DEFENDER program; security forces organizational structure; Integrated Base Defense Command and Control; and were able to have 1-on-1 discussions about future exercise opportunities.

Attendees were also shown a few demonstrations with opportunities to participate. These events included Combat Arms Training and Maintenance; Military Working Dog Patrol and Detection; and a Non-Lethal Weapons Demonstration.

Throughout the event, attendees exchanged force protection information and gained a mutual understanding of each other’s security operations in the Indo-Pacific allowing all parties to be more aware of shared challenges.

“Thank you for your attendance and support of this event,” Lt. Col. Kevin Summers, PACAF Security Forces Division deputy, said. “I appreciate every one of you being here willingly sharing your experiences. Talking to my team, I can assure you we have learned from you as much as you have learned from us.”

Summers ended with a reminder to everyone who attended to bring back what they learned and discuss with their respective chains of command.

“The big takeaway I have is if we talked about anything you want to do, be sure to bring it up to your leadership,” said Summers. “We’ll be with you to support the planning process, and with approval from leaders, we can make these events happen and continue to build together.”