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News | Nov. 22, 2017

MSAS conducts joint training with Uruguay

By 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron

The 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron completed training with the Uruguayan Air Force in Carrasco, Uruguay.

Nine air advisors provided training on security tactics, weather forecast, aircraft maintenance, logistics and aeromedical evacuation and a number of other courses to approximately 70 personnel from the Uruguayan Air Force, Army, Navy and the Institute of Meteorology.

The last time the 571st MSAS conducted training with the Uruguayan military was in 2013, when they trained on cargo movement, C-130 maintenance and medical readiness.

“This is the first time we have interacted with Uruguayan Air Force, Navy and National Weather Service forecasters,” said Tech. Sgt. Adam Dahlke, 571st MSAS weather forecaster. “We exchanged ideas and discussed meteorological phenomena and how each can impact air operations. The mission was a great success and the road was paved for future interactions.”

Throughout the team’s time in Uruguay they helped service members accomplish classroom instruction, provided hands-on activities and also participated in activities to help build interpersonal relationships.

“My number one mission is to build friendships with my fellow Uruguayans, I’m not here to teach the American way but to exchange my medical knowledge with them,” said Tech. Sgt. Giacomo Zignago, 571st MSAS independent duty medical technician air advisor.

All assessments and seminars took place at Carrasco Air Base in a period of two weeks, graduating more than 50 Uruguayan Air Force personnel from several Air Force specialty codes.

The Uruguayan Air Force has been involved in multiple United Nations peacekeeping missions to include Haiti, Eritrea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Also their Search and Rescue Unit has been part of a large number of civilian and military rescues within the region.

“This security cooperation event was very fulfilling, it directly contributes to the growth of Uruguayan armed forces and their peacekeeping missions in Africa,” said Tech. Sgt. Horacio Guzman team sergeant of the group. “We are very excited to continue building a partnership with our Uruguayan counterparts.”

The 571st MSAS is charged with strengthening partner nation’s capabilities and the squadron trains, advises and assists partner nations in developing airpower capabilities. The unit includes Spanish-speaking Airmen and is aligned with the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

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