By MASTER SGT. DAVID EICHAKER
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., July 19, 2023—“The unique nature of the National Guard [State Partnership Program], which is implemented through each state, is something that’s unique throughout the world,” said Ambassador Dennis Hankins, National Guard Bureau Foreign Policy Advisor. “But seeing the dedication of our state leaders really trying to build strong enduring relations with partners… builds deep personal relationships that easily expand beyond what they started with.”
The remarks were delivered as part of the Department of Defense and National Guard State Partnership Program’s 30th Anniversary Conference recognizing the Department of Defense security cooperation program, managed and administered by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, executed by the Geographic Combatant Commands, and sourced by National Guard states and territories.
Through SPP, the National Guard conducts military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals but also leverages whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader collaboration spanning civilian, economic and social spheres.
“I will point out we’ve partnered with Moldova for over 27 years,” said Army Maj. Gen. Todd Hunt, adjutant general, North Carolina National Guard. “I believe our whole-of-government approach started with a bilateral affairs officer visiting an orphanage and seeing the need, then calling back to the states[for support]. Through local churches and organizations, we were able to start the process of getting others involved, not just military-to-military, but civilian-to-civilian. That relationship has blossomed into what we have today.”
While the North Carolina-Moldova connection represents one of the 88 enduring partnerships encompassing 100 nations in the program, holistic benefits in agriculture, education, medical and biotechnology offer emerging dividends.
“Due to the relationships we have built with medical universities in North Carolina during the Ukrainian crisis … the embassy called and wanted us, along with our secretary of state in North Carolina, to set up a virtual emergency medicine forum for the nurses and we did that within one day, and that was very beneficial for the medical providers within Moldova,” he added.
While Guard units work with partner militaries to bolster capabilities, improve interoperability and boost integrated deterrence, the intention of the SPP remains mutually beneficial.
“We’ve got multiple projects in different stages of development,” said Brig. Gen. Eduard Ohladciuc, chief of general staff, Moldovan Armed Forces. “We’ve got multiple projects based on civilian cooperation from military to military … I want to assure you that training is very valuable for Moldovan soldiers. I would like to extend my appreciation to the U.S. government and to the government of North Carolina for this possibility,” he added.
The 2022 National Defense Strategy names partnerships with foreign allies as a key strategic advantage: “Mutually-beneficial alliances and partnerships are an enduring strength — and will be all the more critical in the years ahead.” For an estimated $42 million annually, the SPP delivers a significant return on investment by broadening the pool of security partners who are willing and able to support defense and security cooperation objectives comprehensively.
See complete article on the U.S. Army website at https://www.army.mil/article/268489/national_guard_state_partnership_program_forges_lasting_connections_beyond_military_relations
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM IS ADVANCING AMPHBIOUS AIRLIFT
NASSAU, Bahamas, July 19, 2023 — The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation aims to create another opportunity to expand its airlift and increase stopover visitors by advancing plans to accelerate and revolutionise the robust return of Amphibious Seaplanes Airlift.
“Amphibious air services is a prominent component of the recently launched National Aviation Strategic Plan, as we seek to diversify and innovate stopover air arrivals to and within our major islands and cays to position The Bahamas as a luxury cachet that cannot be matched by any other destination in our region,” said Dr. Kenneth Romer, Bahamas Director of Aviation and Deputy Director General of Tourism.
To mark The Bahamas’ 50th Independence Celebrations, a group of leading luxury travel advisors and influential media partners arrived at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort on Paradise Island for a special familiarisation onboard Coco Bahamas’ Seaplane which was piloted by Bahamian pilots, Kyle Glenn Fernander and Brandon Fernander.
On hand to mark the occasion, were regulators from the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority law enforcement officers along with tourism, aviation and hospitality executives.
“As we promote The Islands of The Bahamas as an extended-stay, multi-destination travel experience, seaplanes afford visitors ease of access to more destination offerings throughout our picturesque archipelago, while delivering the best way to lower the total cost of air transportation per mile flown”, added Dr. Romer.
See article in BAHAMAS CHRONICLE at https://bahamaschronicle.com/bahamas-ministry-of-tourism-is-advancing-amphibious-airlift/
