China delegation visits Hickam

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  A delegation from China's People Liberation Army visited here as part of a professional exchange with senior U.S. military enlisted personnel Oct. 2.

The People's Liberation Army delegation of 12, led by Maj. Gen. Zhong Zhiming, chief of military affairs for the PLA Headquarters General Staff, toured Hickam Community Housing, the Clay Hall Airmen's dormitory, and Hickam's Professional Military Education Center in an effort to enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese militaries, foster mutual understanding and enhance communication.

"The United States desires a constructive relationship with a peaceful and prosperous China," Thirteenth Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Todd Salzman said. "This visit is an opportunity for the PLA delegation to develop an understanding of U.S. military enlisted professional career paths, and the many critical responsibilities entrusted to our professional NCO corp."

The tour ended with a joint luncheon at the Tradewinds enlisted club where non-commissioned officers from Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and U.S. Pacific Fleet along with senior enlisted leaders from 13th Air Force and the 15th Airlift Wing, participated in the exchange.

"The most interesting part of the visit was the Airman Leadership School," said General Zhong. "It's really important to know how you apply your leadership to help develop the overall quality of your junior NCOs. Additionally human resources are the most important talent for a unit. I see that the U.S. military cares about their military personnel."

In June, China hosted a U.S. military delegation led by Chief Master Sgt. James Roy, the senior enlisted leader of U.S. Pacific Command. Chief Roy wanted to reciprocate the hospitality he was shown during the visit and as a result, U.S. Pacific Command hosted the two-day delegation event. The visit also included tours to U.S. Army, Pacific, U.S. PACOM headquarters, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Oct. 1-2.

The visit is part of a continuum of reciprocal exchanges between the United States and China and contributing to the steady progress of military-to-military relationship-building activities.