COP provides U.S., Host Nation base guidelines

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Michelle Larche | Brig. Gen. Abdullah Jassim Al-Meraikhi, host-nation base commander, and Brig. Gen. Stephen Wilson, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, reaffirm a partnership between host-nation military and the wing by signing a Combined Operating Procedures document at a non-disclosed Southwest Asia location, June 1. The document provides a foundation to handle situations ranging from base defense to real-world contingencies at this location.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

06.01.2010

Story by Senior Airman Spencer Gallien 

379th Air Expeditionary Wing

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing reaffirmed a partnership between the wing and host-nation military during a Combined Operating Procedures signing here, June 1.

The COP is a document with more than 300 pages detailing five functional area processes – airfield operations, first responder, base defense, infrastructure and maintenance, and logistics and maintenance support.

"Many of the procedures in the COP simply document processes we have already been doing," said Lt. Col. Todd Cheney, 379th Expeditionary Mission Support Group deputy commander. "However, this document signing solidifies its relevance and provides a solid foundation to handle situations that arise on base, from base defense and medical exercises to real world contingencies."

The signing of the COP, a detailed document identifying how the host-nation and U.S. will operate together as one team on the same base, is a huge step in the right direction, said Cheney.

Currently, the base is in a transition from expeditionary to enduring operations.
"As we move forward with operations here, this signing marks a huge milestone," said Cheney. "It sets the precedence for a closer partnership between our Air Forces which promises to strengthen our mutual trust and combined capability for years to come."

During a celebratory ceremony, Brig. Gen. Abdullah Jassim Al-Meraikhi, host-nation base commander, and Brig. Gen. Stephen Wilson, 379 AEW commander, presented certificates of appreciation to more than 50 host-nation and U.S. servicemembers who helped make the COP signing possible.

After the certificates were presented, the generals exchanged coin boxes, signifying the mutual trust and respect between the two and their respective commands.

"Everyone involved with the (Combined Operating Procedures) made a great effort," said General Al-Maraikhi. "I'm looking forward to increasing the cooperation between our Air Forces and our countries."

Wilson agreed.

"I'd like to thank you all for your efforts making this possible," said Wilson. "The COP has been a huge priority. Making this happen strengthens the relationship and partnership for both nations."

• Date Taken: 06.01.2010
• Date Posted: 06.05.2010 05:59
• Story ID: 50907
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)