Closer
cooperation – Service members of US Marine Corps and Indonesian Air Force
attend the opening ceremony of the 2016 Cope West exercise at Sam Ratulangi Air
Force Base in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Nov.
US Marine Corps and
Indonesian Air Force personnel attended on Tuesday the opening ceremony of the
10-day Cope West joint training exercise held by the two militaries in Manado,
North Sulawesi.
Held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 11, the Cope
West exercise is the first time in 19 years of bilateral cooperation that
fighter-to-fighter exercises between the US and Indonesian air forces have been
held.
“US-Indonesia defense cooperation has
never been stronger or more comprehensive than it is today, and we are proud to
be Indonesia’s top defense partner in joint exercises and other engagements,”
said US Charge d’Affaires Brian McFeeters at the ceremony.
He later highlighted the strength of the
strategic partnership between the US and Indonesia. “The US is a strong friend
and enthusiastic partner with Indonesia in many areas, including in
strengthening Indonesia’s aviation and defense. We look forward to a
continuation of our robust and growing relationship.”
Cope West is a Pacific Air
Forces-sponsored, bilateral, tactical fighter-to-fighter exercises involving
the US and Indonesian air forces. The exercise is designed to advance
interoperability between the US and TNI AU, to allow for the exchange of
techniques related to combined air operations specific to US and Indonesian
aircraft, and to promote cooperation and unity of purpose, the US Embassy said
in a statement on Tuesday.
Six US Marine Corps F-18s and six TNI-AU
F-16s are participating in the joint exercises.
“Indonesia is a strong regional partner
and we use these exercises to not only improve technical skills but also to
strengthen friendship, mutual understanding and mutual respect between the two
Armed Forces,” said Lt.Col. Stephen McClune, representing the US military.
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