U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Air Forces Africa worked together with a 621st Contingency Response Wing traveling contact team to conduct a building partnership engagement in Luanda, Angola, from Sept. 9 to 13.

The engagement gave 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron air advisors and Angolan airmen a chance to exchange ideas in safety and security. The 621st CRW safety TCT exchanged best practices in bird avoidance strike hazards, operational and crew resource management, flightline safety and fuels safety. A second security TCT held by AFAFRICA focused on flightline security.

"Angola is one of only a few countries in Africa that can support international peacekeeping operations," said Col. David Poage, USAFAF international relations division chief. "Exchanging knowledge and experience strengthens the relationship between our Air Forces."

According to Lt. Gen. Domingos Adriano da Silva Neto, Angolan Air Force chief of staff, the tools and experiences on the prevention of accidents, flight safety and the security and defense of air bases is a national priority.

"The enrichment of our procedures in these areas is not only crucial for our operational capacity, but is also a critical aspect for our contribution to the promotion and development of our economy," he said. "The airpower that the Angolan Armed Forces are developing as part of its reconstruction, will result in our country's regional and international security, as well as the ability to respond to humanitarian crises and natural disasters."

Furthermore, da Silva Neto emphasized the importance of partnership building with the U.S. Air Force.

"The aspirations of our Air Forces are strengthened through this process leading to the cultivation of good friendships and the hope that that our cooperation is increasingly solid and mutually advantageous," he concluded.