Photo By 1st Lt. Jason Carr | United States Space Command patch of an unnamed Airman during Space Development...... read more read more
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NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, NY- The New York Air National Guard’s 222nd Command and Control Squadron, charged with helping to control and monitor U.S. military satellites, hosted four Brazilian officers during a week-long space training workshop held at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station from Dec. 4 to 8, 2023.
The officers from the Brazilian Navy and Air Force took part in discussions on recruiting, training, and retaining space operations personnel, along with representatives from U.S. Space Command and United States Southern Command.
The Airmen assigned to the 222nd provide support to the National Reconnaissance Office which manages United States surveillance satellites. The squadron is a component of the New York Air Guard’s 107th Attack Wing which operates from the Niagara Falls base.
The New York National Guard has a State Partnership Program training agreement with Brazil’s military, and members of the 222nd have already worked with Brazilian military personnel assigned to Brazil’s space efforts, said Capt. Randy Cooper, an Intelligence Officer for the 222nd.
“We want to continue to expand our relationship and cooperation with Brazil’s Space Operations Center and the larger Brazilian military, “ Cooper said.
The Airmen assigned to the 222nd provide support to the National Reconnaissance Office which manages United States surveillance satellites. The squadron is a component of the New York Air Guard’s 107th Attack Wing which operates from the Niagara Falls base.
“Cooperation with our partner nations is essential to our approach,” agreed Lt Col. Brandon Alford, director of plans, programs, assessments and security cooperation, for Southern Command space operations. “Our partners from Brazil share our values regarding the peaceful use of space and are committed to strengthening our existing partnership,” he added.
“The most important lesson during this workshop was establishing foundational trust with which to continue to build our relationships,” said Col. John Kolb, Director, USSPACECOM Joint Integrated Space Team to USSOUTHCOM. “Rather than focusing on purely professional items, had the opportunity to establish personal connections which helped facilitate understanding.”
Brazilian Air Force Capt. Viannay Fabricio Da Fonseca, said the workshop was very worthwhile.
“I think what was most impactful was the opportunity to exchange experiences with US counterparts, the importance of a framework and roadmap, and focused development and training of our junior enlisted and non-commissioned officers,” he said.
The Brazilians also had a chance to tour historic sites in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls area.
“I enjoyed taking our guests a tour of some important locations in Western New York. They visited landmarks that can sometimes be overlooked, and enjoyed learning some information about America at a couple of historical sites,” said Cooper.
“On behalf of the AFSOUTH Director of Space Forces, Col John Whitaker, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to work with the amazing professionals from the NY Air National Guard, and with our Brazilian partners,” said Alford. “We look forward to what is certainly a bright future for everyone in this partnership.
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 12.18.2023 13:21 |
| Story ID: | 460237 |
| Location: | NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 252 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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