JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron completed training with the Ugandan People’s Defense Air Force in Entebbe, Uganda, December 18, 2017.
Ten Air Advisors provided training on fuel and flight-following fundamentals, Cessna 208 maintenance, and logistics management to approximately 38 UPDAF personnel.
The 818 MSAS last conducted a traveling contact team with the UPDAF in December 2016 whereby representatives of the U.S. Air Force and the UPDAF exchanged best practices focused on principles of petroleum, oil, and lubricants.
This engagement sought to further the discussion with hands-on training in the hazards of petroleum products and prevention, laboratory analysis, and the fuels safety servicing zone. The U.S. Embassy in Kampala also requested Air Advisors from civil engineering, command and control, and aircraft maintenance to build the UPDAF’s aviation capacity in garrison and when deployed in support of the African Union.
The Ugandan Air Force has participated in multiple African Union Mission in Somalia peacekeeping operations countering violent extremists in the region.
“It’s great returning to Uganda to interact with members of the Ugandan Air Force,” said Master Sgt. James Hoskins, 818 MSAS fuels specialist. “We established a fuels analysis laboratory and discussed the importance of using personal protective equipment.”
Each discipline provided a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and activities to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
“It’s been fulfilling to watch the growth of the Ugandan Air Force’s C-208 maintainers over the last three weeks,” said Master Sgt. Johnny Hall, 818 MSAS aerospace maintenance specialist. “The class has been very engaged and eager to learn, which makes the job all the more fun.”
“Our UPDAF partners are eager to learn and develop their skills,” said Capt. Megan Gallagher, the team’s mission commander. “Through the collaboration of information and access to various work centers, the UPDAF benefited from the training provided by each instructor’s expertise.”
All training took place at Entebbe Air Base over the course of a three-week period, graduating 38 UPDAF personnel from multiple Air Force specialties.
“We were able to strengthen our relationship with the Ugandan Air Force while providing effective training for real-world events,” said Gallagher. “We look forward to future engagements and our continued partnership.”
The 818 MSAS is charged to build, sustain, and expand the relationships with and the capabilities of partner nation air forces in direct support of combatant commander requirements. The unit includes French-speaking Airmen and is aligned with the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.