NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — New York National Guard airmen will be participating in exercises with the Brazilian air force through Aug. 31., the U.S. Department of Defense announced Tuesday.
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One hundred airmen will take part in the training at a Brazilian air force base, located in Campo Grande.
The initiative is called Exercise Tapio which is a Brazilian search and rescue and close air support exercise. It involves 1,100 Brazilian personnel and aircraft.
An official with the U.S. Southern Command said the exercise would "grow our collective ability to meet complex global challenges, counter threats and maintain regional security and stability."
Based in Westhampton Beach, the 106th Operations Group will be leading the U.S. component under the direction of Air Force Col. Jeff Cannet. The component will include one HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, three HH-60 Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopters, and two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft.
This year will mark the second time the New York Air National Guard will participate in Exercise Tapio. Last year, the exercise simulated war scenarios, including helicopter infiltration and extrication, rope rescues, separated survivor scenarios, and an urban operation with a vehicle extrication and mass casualty event. This year, aerial refueling of the HH-60s by the HC-130J Combat King aircraft were added.
"It's great to be taking part in Exercise Tapio again with a larger team than ever before," Cannet said. "The friendships and professional development have grown behind the scenes over the past year and seeing all that come together during this exercise has been rewarding. We look forward to growing this strong partnership for years to come.”
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