Photo By Staff Sgt. Kelsea Caballero | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col John Boston, 176th Medical Group state air surgeon, provides...... read more read more
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ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia– Pacific Airlift Rally 25 concluded on May 9th, 2025 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, following intensive multinational training, collaboration, and cultural exchanges focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HA/DR).
Co-hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces and the Mongolian Armed Forces-Air Force Component, the first-ever rally hosted in Mongolia brought together military and civilian disaster response agencies from 13 countries including Bangladesh, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and the United States.
Throughout PAR25, participants engaged in a wide range of functional exchanges designed to strengthen disaster response readiness through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), lectures, and hands-on training to enhance interoperability under crisis conditions.
“Our airfield SMEEs linked members from the United States Air Force, Mongolian Air Force, and the Civil Air Authority of Mongolia to target critical roles when responding to a large-scale natural disaster, “ said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Samuel Neitzer, 36th Tactical Advisory Squadron exercises and engagements superintendent, “The information sharing flows both ways, allowing for mutual growth in our sections and friendship, both in and out of the HA/DR scenario.”
In close partnership with local hospitals and Mongolian Air Force medical units, the exercise also spotlighted medical readiness and disaster response coordination. U.S. and Mongolian personnel conducted bilateral training on emergency equipment, casualty care, and patient transport, sharing lessons learned and improving bilateral interoperability.
“Aerospace medicine focused on prior humanitarian disaster abilities, training and experiences,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Damien Morgan, 31st Rescue Squadron pararescueman medical director, “Our larger focus was learning and sharing capabilities to develop a robust Mongolian aerospace medical program through lectures focused on flight surgeon responsibilities, standards, and mishap training using examples, cases, and hands-on training.”
Beyond operational training, PAR25 incorporated a unique cultural element. The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Hawaii joined forces with the Military Band of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia in a musical exchange that celebrated unity, tradition, and mutual respect. The collaboration culminated in joint performances blending jazz, rock, and traditional Mongolian melodies.
“Mongolia has such a rich and fascinating culture,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Courtney Woods, U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Hawaii vocalist. “Over the week, as we worked side by side, what stood out wasn’t our differences, but how much we actually have in common. Our shared goals of peace and security really brought us together.”
This year’s exercise held added significance as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Mongolian Armed Forces. The centennial milestone underscored the deepening ties between Mongolia and the United States, which have grown through a strategic partnership established in 2019.
As PAR25 concludes, participating nations leave better connected and more capable—prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow through partnership, preparedness, and purpose.
| Date Taken: | 05.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.19.2025 16:25 |
| Story ID: | 498280 |
| Location: | ULAANBAATAR, MN |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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