The US Air Force at Ali Al Salem Air Base hosted an Open Day for media professionals, featuring a range of activities and events aimed at familiarizing them with the Air Forces’ responsibilities at the base.
The agenda encompassed demonstrations on combating aircraft fires and the latest techniques in police dog training. Attendees were also provided with insights into the various military vehicles and aircraft employed in base operations and training.
Colonel Julie Julian commenced the event by commending the strong collaboration between the US Air Force and its Kuwaiti counterparts at the base.
She emphasized the enduring nature of the partnership, evident over the past 30 years, and stressed the vital role of mutually beneficial alliances in achieving collective objectives. Colonel Julian emphasized that in facing contemporary challenges, the US Air Force relies on alliances and partnerships, underlining the message of strength through unity and effective utilization of integrated capabilities.
She further noted that the US Air Force, in addressing present-day challenges and deterrence, relies heavily on allies and partners, deeming them crucial strategic assets. The Colonel expressed the goal of being an indispensable partner in the region, focused on enhancing regional capabilities concerning shared security concerns.
Colonel Julian assured that the base is fully prepared to confront any challenges, threats, or engage in relief and humanitarian efforts during natural disasters, in collaboration with Kuwaiti partners.
Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Mattis, the commander of the Canadian Operations Support Center at Ali Al Salem Air Base, emphasized the significance of partners in the coalition forces for maintaining regional security, safety, and stability, acknowledging the valuable role played by the Canadian forces and aircraft, despite their smaller presence at the base.
Colonel Pilot Abdul Aziz Behbehani highlighted the cooperation and support extended by the American Air Forces to the Kuwaiti Air Forces, focusing on knowledge exchange, training, and joint exercises. He emphasized the positive impact of these collaborations in bolstering military capabilities and acquiring new skills, highlighting the preparedness of the Kuwaiti Air Force to face emergencies 24/7.
Responding to inquiries about the Kuwaiti Air Force’s challenges, Colonel Behbehani emphasized the absence of significant challenges due to diplomatic culture and cooperative efforts that bind them together.
Regarding Kuwait’s readiness for establishing other military bases, he conveyed contentment with the current bases and expressed hope for future agreements with the American side and other coalition countries.
Captain Pilot Khaled Al-Faqan provided insights into Kuwait’s acquisition of Caracal aircraft, totaling 30 advanced units, and their distribution among the National Guard, the Kuwaiti Army, and the Ministry of Interior. He underscoredthe versatility of these aircraft for diverse operations, including transport, rescue, and combat.
First Lieutenant in the Civil Engineering Department, Michael Greisman, outlined a five-year development plan for facilities and buildings at Ali Al Salem Air Base, involving 77 projects valued at approximately 31 million Kuwaiti dinars.
These projects encompass enhancements to housing for coalition forces’ soldiers and upgrades to aircraft runways at the base.
