Alaska National Guard, Mongolia Strengthen Partnership

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - The Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Wing and 176th Wing hosted nine members of the Mongolian Armed Forces and the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency to exchange best practices and plan future engagements as part of the State Partnership Program Sept. 17-20.

Although Alaskans and Mongolians are separated by many miles across the ocean, the two regions have many similarities, including the Arctic's frigid climate, rugged mountains and austere areas.

"The terrain we live in and the traditions are only some of our similarities," said Col. Ben. Doyle, 168th Operations Group commander." The survival techniques and the air operations were some of the topics. Our state partnership with Monglia improves our ability, and that of our partner military, to work together, deploy, train and learn from each other. We look forward to more interactions with our Mongolian partners as we continue strengthening each other."

The Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program pairs each state with a partner country to increase international military collaboration, interoperability and readiness.

As the Mongolian partners toured the 168th Wing, they shared their experiences and gained insight into Airmen's best practices in medical combat care, weapons training, maintenance, cybersecurity and mission support operations. The wing's leaders collaborated with their Mongolian partners to discuss and share effective approaches to retention and training.

"These are friendly engagements meant to foster our relationships," said Maj. Renee Schaeffers, 168th Wing, Plans and Programs.

AKANG Airmen and their Mongolian partners exchanged knowledge about how they train and educate service members about Arctic temperatures, including survival techniques and winter gear clothing. The conversations centered around increasing combat warrior skills and expeditionary skills training.

The visit included a trip to the North Pole Santa House, a riverboat ride down the Chena River to learn about Alaska's history and traditions, and local food.

"It is very useful to exchange knowledge and experience to build for future exercises," said Capt. Elizabeth Carter, 168th Communications Squadron commander. "The visit was lovely as we were able to share not only our work experiences but also our traditions."

The goal is to strengthen bilateral relations, support Mongolian and Alaska air operations and maintenance, medical and mission support operations, and understand and share capabilities as part of the Alaska SPP program.

The State Partnership Program has been building relations for over 30 years and now includes 96 partnerships with 106 nations.