Monthly Archives: March 2025

U.S. Army and National Guard in NATO-KFOR

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U.S. Army and National Guard are the vital part of NATO-KFOR. This contribution not only establishes a secure environment in Kosovo but also actively encourages dialogue and cooperation between the region’s diverse communities.

See some of our recent articles and interviews with the U.S Army and NG in KFOR:                 https://useuworldaffairs.com/nato-kfor/

Get updated from: KFOR Regional Command East 
@USArmyEURAF   @NATO_KFOR       @US_EUCOM               @IowaNatGuard
@USANATO      @7thATC          @HQUSAFEAFAF     @USNavyEurope     @USEmbPristina           @AmbasadaSUA          @USEmbLuxembourg      @USembdenmark                @USembfinland

Acknowledgments: Image: first from right U.S. Army Chaplain Maj. Daniel Leslie with religious leaders of the various faiths around Kosovo, Nov. 13, 2023 © U.S Army National Guard/ U.S Army/ KFOR Regional Command-East, photo by Sgt. Gauret Stearns. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief. 

U.S. Forces in Japan and the open gate friendship celebration of spring festival ‘Cherry Blossom’

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The presence of U.S. military in Japan has fostered a strong alliance, contributing significantly to the regional stability and security. This partnership has played a crucial role in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Every spring, U.S. Forces Japan hosts the friendship cherry blossom festival, attracting upward of 17,000 visitors. This year’s open gate festivals were held on Yokosuka Naval Base and Army Camp Zama on March 22nd. Yokota Air Base has scheduled to host its celebration on March 29th.

Open gate celebration, involving U.S. military bases promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

  • It builds community support and partnership; 
  • It illustrates positive intercultural engagements and friendships;
  • It provides valuable opportunities for U.S. personnel and local communities to connect;
  • And it cultivates goodwill and strengthens people-to-people ties.

Get news from  U.S Forces in Japan 

Additional:  Annual event celebrates spring while bringing together 17,000 U.S., Japanese visitors ( U.S Army 2024)

Acknowledgments: Source © U.S Forces in Japan, U.S Army. Yokota U.S Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2018. U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief. 

U.S. Air Force in the 14th African Air Chiefs Symposium 2025

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This year’s African Air Chiefs Symposium co-hosted by U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa, and Zambia Air Force was held in Lusaka, Zambia from February 17 – 21. The thematic focus of the 14th African Air Chiefs Symposium was on ‘Strategic Collaboration and Operational Excellence: Enhancing effectiveness of the Association of African Air Forces.

“The multilateral partnerships developed during the 14th African Air Chiefs Symposium are keys in the preparation and response to cross-continental natural disasters,” “Developing African-led solutions to these enduring challenges will help save lives.”  elaborated U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker ©U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa

Military leaders, Air Chiefs, Liaison Officers, Women, Peace and Security Representatives, Senior Enlisted Representatives, and U.N Representatives, from 38 nations convened in African Air Chiefs Symposium 2025 to discuss crucial continental defense issues, and addressed challenges that threaten regional security, The symposium also assessed the existing capabilities and explored avenues to increase partnerships between African nations and the United States. 

Among symposium’s key delivered outcomes:

  • Strengthening partnerships and collaborations between U.S-African air forces, fostering mutual understanding and shared strategies to address common security challenges.
  • Operational excellence:
    1. Improving the operational capabilities through joint multinational training exercises and interoperability;
    2. The exchange of best practices;
    3. And enhancing the air operations across the continent particularly in the natural disaster scenarios.

Additional:  Digital Press Briefing State Department Feb. 19, 2025: U.S Air Forces Africa Commander Gen. James B. Hecker and Zambia Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Oscar Nyoni.

 Acknowledgments: Sources ©U.S. Air Forces in Europe – U.S. Air Forces Africa. Image:  U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa commander and Association of African Air Forces co-chairman, during the opening ceremony for the 14th African Air Chiefs Symposium in Lusaka, Zambia, Feb. 17, 2025, by Senior Airman Seleena Muhammad-Ali ©U.S. Air Forces in Europe -U.S. Air Forces Africa. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief.