Hello neighbour

By Flying Officer Jen Harrison

IT WAS a case of meeting the neighbours last month, when the Commander of the Indonesian Air Force Special Troops made a special visit to RAAF Base Amberley.

Air First Marshal Puta Sultra, Commander of Paskhas, his delegation and the Air Attache for Jakarta, visited the Headquarters of Combat Support Group and Airfield Defence Wing.

Air First Marshal Sultra, who has responsibility for airfield defence, made the visit to swap ideas and strengthen the ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Commander of Combat Support Group Air Commodore Mark Gower welcomed the Indonesian Commander and his delegation to Australia and to RAAF Base Amberley.

“Visits from international forces are always welcome as it provides a great opportunity to strengthen ties and share information between Air Forces,” Air Commodore Gower said.

With the Indonesian Air Force focus on the quality of training and equipment, it was not unusual that Air First Marshal Sultra was particularly interested in Australian training, equipment and technology.

He was keen to visit and meet Australia’s combat forces at Airfield Defence Wing and his visit included a demonstration of some of the weapons and vehicles used by Australian Airfield Defence Guards.

Air Commodore Gower said the visit was mutually beneficial for the Australian hosts and participants in the visit.

“Both Australians and Indonesians were able to gain an insight into the cultures of the two countries and their ways of working.

“It was a great opportunity to understand and learn from each other.”

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