Air Force Chief of Staff visits Colombia to strengthen partnership

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein recently returned from a two-day visit to Colombia where he pledged to accelerate joint training activities with the Colombian Air Force.

Colombia has worked closely with the United States for decades on security and regional concerns. Goldfein called Colombia “the gold standard” and a “capable and willing partner”
for its efforts.

The visit included policy discussions on a variety of subjects including Colombia’s ongoing actions to defeat narco-terrorism, Colombia’s potential for training pilots from other countries and political turmoil in neighboring Venezuela.

Goldfein laid a wreath in honor of Colombian troops lost in battle at a ceremony held at the Fallen Heroes Memorial.

Goldfein presented Gen. Carlos Eduardo Bueno, Colombia’s highest-ranking air force officer, with the Legion of Merit for his leadership in transforming the air force into “an island of excellence.”

“The United States and the United States Air Force will always be considered our principle strategic ally,” Bueno said.

Goldfein also met with Gen. Alberto Mejia, Colombia’s equivalent of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mejia thanked the United States for working closely with Columbia despite challenges threatening Colombia’s stability.

The visit was Goldfein’s first to Colombia as chief of staff.