NEWINGTON, N.H. - The New Hampshire National Guard and El Salvador celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, or SPP, Sept. 6 at Pease Air National Guard Base.
“It’s been 25 years of an exceptional partnership,” said New Hampshire Adjutant General David Mikolaities, who is the fourth adjutant general to guide the program.
In 2000, Maj. Gen. John Blair signed a formal declaration with the Fuerza Armada de El Salvador under what was then a fledgling strategic initiative by the National Guard. Today, the SPP comprises 115 partner nations.
The Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show provided a spectacular backdrop for a modest flight-line ceremony with New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte, Mikolaities and Col. Pablo Soriano, chief of staff of the Fuera Aerea El Salvador.
Commemorative gifts and plaques were exchanged after a vintage biplane with a daredevil standing atop its wing roared past. About 43,000 visitors were treated to various aerial performances and static displays during the free show.
“There’s been increasing engagements over the years, whether it’s Best Warrior or marksmanship events,” Soriano said. “Our countries have become close friends as a result of the partnership.”