Photos Multinational Exercises Of All Types

Australian Army's 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery & the US Army's 38th Brigade, Air Defense Artillery, at the Patriot surface-to-air missile launch site during Exercise TalismanSabre 2021.


Captain Chris Morris from 29 Commando, Royal Artillery, Australian Army Gunner Jordon Lacy and Captain Kurt James from United States Marine Corps, coordinate a ship-to-shore naval gun serial during a live fire exercise on Townshend Island in Queensland, during Talisman Sabre 21

Brig. Gen. William L. Thigpen, left, U.S. Army South commanding general, meets Gral. Eduardo Enrique Zapateiro Altamiranda, Colombian National Army commanding general, July 21 in Bogotá for the first time as Thigpen recently took command of U.S. Army South late June. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen relations between the countries, exchange knowledge and enhance security cooperation. The Colombian Army is a top strategic partner in Latin America, and the U.S. and Colombian armies have worked together for many years. U.S. Army South seeks to advance the partnership with the Colombian Army beyond the high level of cooperation already established.

A U.S. Air Force C17 Globemaster III lands at Tolemaida Air Base, Nido, Colombia, July 21, 2021. The C17 carried U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 2nd battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division for a Dynamic Force Employment with the Colombian military. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)


U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 2nd battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division arrive at Tolemaida Air Base, Nilo, Colombia for a Dynamic Force Employment on July 21, 2021. The DFE was conducted to increase interoperability with the Colombian military and to demonstrate operational readiness and regional unity. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)

Marines from with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, load High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems on an Australian Defence Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with 36th Squadron during a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration as a part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, July 24, 2021

U.S. JTACs Train with Colombian Comandos​

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U.S. Air Force tactical air control party (TACP) Airmen deployed to the 474th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, trained with Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana) Special Operations Group (GROEA) comandos during exercise Relampago VI in both Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) Rionegro and Palenquero, Colombia, throughout the month of July.

“Relampago VI is about bringing the U.S. and Colombian military together to openly train and build relationships with one another,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tyler Stewart, 474th EOSS joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) non commissioned officer in charge. “Getting the opportunity to share my experiences with them and vice versa is amazing.”

U.S. Air Force JTACs are TACPs with the ability to use combat aircraft to engage in close air support (CAS) and other air operations from a forward position.

The TACP Airmen, all proficient in the JTAC capability, provided training to the GROEA comandos on this skillset; as the Colombian military is beginning to integrate this proficiency into their force.

“The GROEA comandos are more than just JTACs,” said Stewart. “These guys could also have the training of [explosive ordnance disposal], [pararescue], sniper-qualifications, dive-qualified and more. Most of their special forces have 15 plus years of experience in these skillsets and their stories are remarkable.”

During this training, the Colombians provided realistic scenarios deep in the woods of Palenquero. Despite the many challenges the exercise brought, one hurdle that didn’t exist was the language barrier. This was because of two reasons: some of the GROEA comandos spoke English and the U.S. has a TACP that is bi-lingual with some of his family residing in Colombia.

“I can’t think of a current opportunity that I am best suited for than to work with the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana as a United States Airmen,” says U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Antonio Videla, a TACP and qualified JTAC that helps interpret for his team. “It’s a uniquely, gratifying experience and I am tremendously proud that I am able to help in any way that I can.”

One of these times was during a CAS scenario when the Colombians and Americans jumped into a truck and sped down a dirt road. While being chased by simulated enemies, both the Americans and Colombians radioed in a helicopter to exfiltrate in. Videla was given the opportunity by the GROEA comandos to signal the helicopter in for his Colombian counterparts.

“It’s always exhilarating to work with live air,” said Videla. “It was a new experience to control both fixed wing CAS and rotary wing with a foreign partner while moving through the jungle so quickly. I loved it.”

According to the Colombian GROEA comandos, this exercise has also been one they won’t forget.

“I am very happy about this training and being able to work with the American JTACs. I want to say ‘Thank you for their contribution' to all of them,” said Fuerza Aerea Colombiana Lieutenant Gabriel Useche, GROEA comando. “This training is very important for the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana and our unit to improve these different tactics and techniques. I look forward to sharing more information and hope we can continue this training in the future.”

F-16’s takeoff in Colombia​

Exercise Relampago VI at Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro, Colombia, July 19, 2021. Relampago VI is a combined Colombian and U.S. exercise taking place in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater that focuses on techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our armed forces.


A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron instructs Senior Airman Duncan Bevan, an aerial Combat Camera specialist assigned to the 1st Combat Camera Squadron, before a flight at Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro, Colombia, during Exercise Relampago VI, July 26, 2021. F-16s along with personnel from Shaw AFB will rapidly integrate into theater training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)


A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares to take off from Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro, Colombia, during Exercise Relampago VI, July 26, 2021. F-16s along with personnel from Shaw AFB will rapidly integrate into theater training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)


U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepare to take off from Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro, Colombia, during Exercise Relampago VI, July 26, 2021. F-16s along with personnel from Shaw AFB will rapidly integrate into theater training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)


U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepare to take off from Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro, Colombia, during Exercise Relampago VI, July 26, 2021. F-16s along with personnel from Shaw AFB will rapidly integrate into theater training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)


Colombian Air Force air traffic controllers watch U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepare to take off from Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro, Colombia, during Exercise Relampago VI, July 26, 2021. F-16s along with personnel from Shaw AFB will rapidly integrate into theater training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)


A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis before take off from Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro, Colombia, during Exercise Relampago VI, July 26, 2021. F-16s along with personnel from Shaw AFB will rapidly integrate into theater training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)


A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis before take off from Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro, Colombia, during Exercise Relampago VI, July 26, 2021. F-16s along with personnel from Shaw AFB will rapidly integrate into theater training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)

Launching Airpower at Relampago VI in Colombia​

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Luis Pratts, 474th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron crew chief, performs preventative maintenance and prepares his U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon for takeoff during Exercise Relampago VI at Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5)

USAF 14th ASOS Jumps with Colombian Special Operations Group at Relampago VI in Colombia​

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PALENQUERO, COLOMBIA 07.17.2021
USAF 14th ASOS Jumps with Colombian Special Operations Group at Relampago VI in Colombia

U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party Airmen assigned to the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron perform an aircraft jump with the Colombian Air Force Aerial Special Operations Group (GROEA) air and terminal attack controllers during the Relampago VI Exercise at Palenquero Air Base, Colombia, July 17, 2021. Relampago VI is a combined Colombian and U.S. exercise taking place in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater that focuses on techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our armed forces.

Army South develops medical evacuation rehearsals with Colombian combat medics​

U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division medics and a Colombian army combat medic conduct medical evacuation rehearsals in preparation for a combined airborne exercise July 24, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The U.S. Army and Colombian military conducted a Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise, also known as Exercise Hidra II, involving jungle and water survival training, multiple airborne jumps and a field training exercise. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)


A Colombian army UH-60 Black Hawk carries two members of the Colombian army search and rescue team, July 24, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The Colombian army was rehearsing a medical evacuation in preparation for a Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise, also known as Exercise Hidra II, between the U.S Army and Colombian joint military. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)


U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division medics and two Colombian army combat medics conduct medical evacuation rehearsals July 24, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The U.S. Army and Colombian military conducted a Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise, also known as Exercise Hidra II, involving jungle and water survival training, multiple airborne jumps and a field training exercise. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)

With the traditional exchange of wings, a symbolic act that seals the parachute jump between the armies of two countries, the Binational Strategic Exercise between the Military Forces of Colombia and troops of the South Army of the United States, which is carried out in the Tolemaida Military Fort until next July 30. More than 200 paratroopers from the two countries jumped from Colombian Air Force and United States Army planes at 1500 feet, demonstrating the airborne capabilities they have for the development of military operations where infiltration methods with descent are applied. vertical and with training procedures standardized by NATO. Within the group of paratroopers, the participation of seven military women, three from the United States Army and four from the National Army, stood out, evidencing the strength that identifies them and that has allowed them to gain spaces of recognition at the national and international level.

Hydra II Multinational Strategic Exercise

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Hydra II Multinational Strategic Exercise From July 25 to 30, the Colombian Military Forces and troops from the US Army Southern Command will carry out the Multinational Strategic Exercise Hidra II in the Tolemaida Military Fort. This is the second time that this knowledge exchange exercise has been carried out between the two countries that contributes to the strengthening of capacities to fight transnational threats and drug trafficking. Let's remember in this video one of the activities of the first version of Hydra

USAF F-16s and Colombian Kfirs conduct formation flyover of Colombia​

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RIONEGRO, COLOMBIA 07.27.2021 U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and Colombian Air Force Kfirs conduct an aerial formation flyover during Exercise Relampago VI, over Colombia, July 27, 2021. Relampago VI is a combined Colombian and U.S. exercise taking place in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater that focuses on techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our armed forces.

Colombian Air Force Kfirs and U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons

Airmen and pilots assigned to the 474th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron and 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron respectively, dedicated themselves to techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our countries during Exercise Relampago VI at CACOM 5 in Rionegro, Colombia, throughout the month of July. Relampago VI provides combined training and improves readiness of U.S. and partner nation military personnel through interoperability training. The United States is an enduring, reliable partner with a shared stake in the security and prosperity of the region, and this exercise will improve Colombian and U.S. forces’ capabilities to rapidly deploy and employ forces anywhere around the globe at any moment.

USAF F-16 and Colombian Air Force Kfirs conduct aerial operations​

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U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and Colombian Air Force Kfirs conducting flying operations together during Exercise Relampago VI, over Colombia, July 26, 2021. Relampago VI is a combined Colombian and U.S. exercise taking place in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater that focuses on techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our armed forces. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Duncan C. Bevan)

Dover AFB Airmen transported 2 CH-47F Chinook helicopters to Royal Australian Air Force Base, Townsville, Australia, as part of the U.S. Defense Department’s Foreign Military Sales program, further reinforcing the alliance between the two countries.

RAAF EA-18G, F-18F and F-35A fly with USAF B-52 during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021

Colombian Air Force Fire fighters work to keep USAF F-16s safe at Relampago VI​

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U.S. Air Force firefighters train with Colombian Air Force Bomberos Aeronauticos on fire and emergency protocols for the F-16 Fighting Falcon at Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro Colombia, July 2, 2021 during Relampago VI. U.S. fire Airmen work as liaisons during the exercise and will work side-by-side with Colombian Air Force Bomberos Aeronauticos if any emergency situation occurs. Relampago VI is a combined Colombian and U.S. exercise taking place in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater that focuses on techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our armed forces.

Subdivisions of the Eastern Military District (VO) of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation arrive in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of the PRC to participate in the large-scale joint exercises "Interaction-2021". About 10 thousand servicemen of the two countries will take part in the exercises, which will be held in mid-August at the Qingtongxia training ground of the Land Forces of the People's Liberation Army of China. The exercises will be led jointly by the command of the military contingents of China and Russia.

USAF 79th FS hosts Second Commander of the Colombian Air Force​

Fuerza Aérea Colombiana Maj. Gen. Pablo Enrique Garcia Valencia, Second Commander Colombian Air Force, climbs into a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at Comando Aereo de Combate Number 5 (CACOM 5) in Rionegro, Colombia, during Exercise Relampago VI, July 28, 2021. Relampago VI provides combined training and improves readiness of U.S. and partner nation military personnel through interoperability training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz)

USAF F-16s and Kfirs fly in formation over Colombia​

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and Colombian Air Force Kfirs fly in formation over Colombia during Exercise Relampago VI, July 27, 2021. Relampago VI is a combined Colombian and U.S. exercise taking place in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater that focuses on techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our armed forces.