Two members of the Tunisian army were guests of the Wyoming Army National Guard from June 28-July 1, 2011, as part of the State Partnership Program.

Helicopter pilots, Lieutenant Colonel Slaheddine Essoussi and Major Abdessalam Sghaier traveled from Tunisia to exchange information on the use of night vision goggles while flying. "It is very important to know your instrumentation," Essoussi said. "The U.S. has mastered a very good technique that we would like to use."

According to the State Partnership Program director Major Corey Jones, the Tunisian partnership is in its seventh year in Wyoming, and has been instrumental in building the relationship between the two countries.
"We share ideas between the partners." Jones said. "They will take back documents that we have developed to help train and refine their program, and likewise, we will exchange ideas when we visit Tunisia."

"We value the relationship and would like to see it grow," Major General Luke Reiner, Wyoming's adjutant general said. "It is always a pleasure to meet with our state partners."

Military events have focused on shared assets and missions. Both Tunisia and the Wyoming Air National Guard fly C-130s-in fact a former Wyo. Air National Guard airframe is owned by the Tunisian air force. Helicopters are also a common platform. Common missions include aerial firefighting.

During their visit, the two officers were provided a tour of National Guard facilities, both on the ground, and via helicopter; toured the state capitol; and experienced Wyoming culture.

"It has been a very good experience and we hope to come back again soon," Essoussi said.