Andersen concludes Asia-Pacific SMEE

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  As part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Cooperation Program, a multilateral subject-matter expert exchange co-hosted by senior civil engineer and security forces personnel from Headquarters 13th Air Force concluded here Feb. 23.

The exchange, called Pacific Unity and Pacific Defender, allowed officers from regional Asia-Pacific partner nations to exchange views related to civil engineering and security forces operations, to tour 36th Wing facilities and programs and to establish international and interpersonal relationships.

The SMEE is a joint and combined military information-sharing forum designed to enhance regional partnerships and promote interoperability between the U.S. and its Asia-Pacific partner nations.

"The SMEEs are great because while Airmen and noncommissioned officers are showcasing our tactical capabilities, they are making a much larger impact on a strategic level," said Maj. Tara Opielowski, 763th Security Forces Squadron commander. "The lessons learned and relationships built are invaluable to all nations involved. We are meeting higher headquarters objectives for building partnership capacity and it is truly an enjoyable experience."

The exchange included officers from the Philippine Air Force, Royal Cambodian Air Force, Royal Lao Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, Mongolian Air Force and Vietnam People's Air Force. It focused on key facilities and programs, training, tactics, and techniques utilized by 36th Civil Engineer Squadron and 736 SFS personnel.

"My country will be better prepared for any future contingencies," said Philippine Air Force Lt. Col. Fidel Igmedio Cruz, Jr., civil engineer. "Knowing that the U.S. is willing to provide us with technical expertise helps to further our relationship. Learning about each other's aspirations and expectations shows we are working toward a peaceful world."

"In regards to contingency measures," the colonel continued, "there are many I would like to implement and I was given viable options on how to accomplish them within our current capability."

During the delegates' visit to Andersen, they toured the 36th Contingency Response Group, the 554 RED HORSE Squadron, the 36 CES, the 736 SFS and North West Field. Throughout the week, attendees conducted discussions on emergency management preparation, weaponry and utilization, surveying and data collection as well as antiterrorism and force protection.

"We have learned a lot from our U.S. counterparts, like antiterrorism and base defense," said Mongolian Air Force Maj. Enkhzorgol Baatarkhuu, training officer. "It was all very important information. We hope to return in the future and learn more about airfield defense as well."

The civil engineering and security forces community have conducted SMEEs for more than 40 years as their responsibilities have grown in number and complexity with more subject matter experts participating in exchanges to share the depth of knowledge required in specific areas.

"Conducting multinational engagement with our foreign partners in this atmosphere enabled our allies to better understand, and potentially benefit from, the inner-workings of the wing's 36 CES, 554 RHS and the 736 SFS," said Col. Theodore Corallo, 36 CRG commander. "The SMEE also served as a platform to build relationships, allowing us to further our understanding of each other's military capabilities while advancing our mutual interests."