Ethiopians Experience USAF Airdrop Up Close

Last week, airmen of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group and 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, operating out of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, demonstrated for Ethiopian Air Force officers US airdrop techniques as part of the 17th Air Force/Air Forces Africa contribution to US Africa Command’s Theater Security Cooperation initiatives. Col. Jon Ullmann, 449th AEG commander, believes continuing dialogues such as this should aid future operations with Ethiopia “and thereby enhance security throughout the region.” The 81st ERQS conducted the orientation using an HC-130P, which performs dual roles as an aerial tanker for rescue helicopters and a transport for personnel and equipment. The demonstration concluded with flights, which Lt. Col. Bogale Gebreyese, Air Transport Wing commander, said was “very exciting and very interesting.” (Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa report by SSgt. Ronald Lafosse)