US, Indonesia Air Forces Conduct Joint Exercise In Manado

MANADO, N Sulawesi, Nov 2 (Antara) - Indonesia and US air forces are conducting a joint exercise, code-named "Cope West," in Manado, North Sulawesi. The chief of the Indonesia Air Force delegation, Commodore Nanang Santoso, opened the exercise here on Tuesday in the company of acting US ambassador Brian Mc Feeters in a ceremony at the Sam Ratulangi air force base. The exercise will last until November 11. Commodore Nanang Santoso and Brian Mc Feeters jointly inspected the air force troops and then pinned identity badge on a participant each from the US and Indonesia. Brian Mc Feeters recalled after the ceremony that the joint exercise was the first since the one held 19 years ago. "In this activity, fighter jets from the two sides could jointly carry out an exercise," he disclosed. He commented that the exercise offers joint flight, information exchange and improved professional programs. He underlined that the exercise was part of the strategic partnership program between Indonesia and the US. "We are proud to be able to become the main partner in the field of defense. In this exercise, fighter jets from the two countries could fly together and soldiers would be cooperating and will get to know each other," he observed. Commodore Nanag Santoso, meanwhile, pointed out that the exercise was aimed mainly at improving tactical skills and strategy. "Through the joint exercise, it is hoped they will improve their skills and exchange experience in terms of combat tactics and air operation strategy to improve their professionalism," he explained. The exercise will involve six F-18 jets belonging to the US Marine Corps and six F-16 jets of the Indonesian Air Force. The ceremony was also attended by North Sulawesi governor Olly Dondokambey and local military and police officials.