OHAKEA, New Zealand -- United States Air Force Maj. Corey Akiyama (left) prepares to demonstrate a two-way communications check with the air crew using a multichannel tactical radio for Royal New Zealand Air Force Pilot Officer Emma Taylor (right) as she earns her U.S. Air Force drop zone safety officer certification during Exercise Kiwi Flag Nov. 14 at the New Zealand Defence Force Raumi Drop Zone near Ohakea, New Zealand. United States Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Gallagher and Chief Master Sgt. Paul Koester (center left and right) provide further mentorship during the multilateral RNZAF-sponsored tactical airlift exercise comprising air assets from the USAF, RNZAF, Royal Australian Air Force, Republic Of Singapore Armed Forces and French Armed Forces of New Caledonia. Taylor’s certification will enhance interoperability and unified responses when New Zealand and the United States both respond to a combined effort. Summers is from 51st Aerial Delivery Platoon, 5th Movements Company, 2nd Combat Services Support Battalion out of Linton Military Camp in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Akiyama is deployed as the 517th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron drop zone safety officer. He is the air mobility liaison officer for the 615th Contingency Operations Support Group at home station, Camp Henry, Korea. He hails from University Place, Wash. Taylor, an air warfare officer, is assigned to 40 Squadron, RNZAF Base Ohakea. Gallagher is a joint air drop inspection specialist deployed to the 517th EAS from the 3rd Operations Support Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Koester is deployed as the 517th EAS jumpmaster. He is the pararescue functional manager at home station, Pacific Air Forces Headquarters at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. He hails from Colorado Springs, Colo. Kiwi Flag personnel are supporting Exercise Southern Katipo -- held on New Zealand’s South Island -- by managing air operations and providing cargo and passenger airlift including tactical
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