Asia-Pacific nations collaborate to enhance airpower cooperation

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia --  More than 80 participants from 20 nations will meet here for four days of discussion and collaboration during the 2008 Pacific Rim (PACRIM) Airpower Symposium July 21-25. 

PACRIM encourages the building of relationships and aims to enhance cooperation among the air forces of Pacific nations. Hosted by the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces' 13th Air Force, this year's symposium focuses on early phases of humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations to include: preparing for future sustained and multi-national operations, command relationships, and search and rescue cross agency coordination. 

"There is a tremendous potential for disaster that can occur in the Asia-Pacific region," Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback, 13th Air Force commander, said. "Our greatest capability comes from our ability to plan.  Through this symposium, we have a great opportunity to share and understand what each nation brings to the battlefield."

Symposium briefings and panel discussions include presentations from participating nations that allow representatives to discuss their air force's unique circumstances, capabilities, and challenges. PACRIM discussions will lay the foundation for further meetings at a higher level. 

Through these type of exchanges, the air forces of the Asia-Pacific region can efficiently work together toward mutually beneficial goals. As participants learn more about each Pacific Rim nation's unique contribution to regional stability and security, they enhance their understanding of the region's collective airpower resources and capabilities. 

"As a regional partner, we need to be better prepared," said Lt. Gen. Dato Rodzali bin Daud, Royal Malaysian air force air operation commander. "Especially in identifying potiential disaster areas and stocking up on necessary relief (supplies). We need to respond quickly without being hindered by bureaucratic intracacies."

Represented in the four-day symposium are delegations from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.