"Indonesia is a very strategic and important country. It`s fantastic and its air force is professional enough," USAF Cope West Detachment Commander Lieutenant Colonel Rick Richard said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Air Force (AU) and the United States Air Force (USAF) are organizing a joint exercise on Monday at South Terminal, Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase, East Jakarta.
The exercise will be held until Friday (June 29) under the name "Cope West". Fifty soldiers from AU and 80 soldiers from USAF will attend the drill.
At the beginning of the exercise, at least 28 troops from Paskhas AU will take part in a static plunging military action by using two units of USAF type A Hercules C-130.
Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase Commander, Colonel Ardhi Tjahjoko, said the activities carried out on Monday included a parachute dropping static and personnel to the Air Force Detachment in Gorda Serang.
"We have also common practice for dropping logistics, powerful packing techniques for the benefit of dropping the logistics and personnel,as well as the exercise `Free-fall` and class discussions," Ardhi said.
According to Ardhi, the joint exercises have been taking place since 2009.
"Most of the exercises held today have largely been implemented by the Air Force. The exercise is to expedite and hone existing skills," said Ardhi.
USAF Cope West Detachment Commander Lieutenant Colonel Rick Richard said co-operation with the Indonesian Air Force is considered very important to sharpen the ability of the USAF and the Air Force.
"Indonesia is a very strategic and important country. It`s fantastic and its air force is professional enough," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
