An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Aug. 2, 2013

South Carolina base hosts Colombian Air Force team

By Lt. Col. Jim St. Clair South Carolina National Guard

EASTOVER, S.C. - A team of five Colombian Air Force officers toured McEntire Joint National Guard Base Tuesday as part of a U.S. visit to gather information about F-16 operations and maintenance.

This visit is the latest engagement of the newly formed State Partnership Program (SPP) between South Carolina and the Republic of Colombia. South Carolina and Colombia formally established their bilateral relationship last year. The SPP is a joint venture of equal partners as well as one of shared responsibilities in addressing transnational concerns.

Tuesday's visit was a follow on from April when Gen. Tito Saul Pinilla Pinilla, the commander of the Colombian Air Force, toured McEntire JNGB and expressed interest in the SCANG's F-16s, especially the maintenance and logistics facilities required to support that aircraft.

Pinilla said Colombia is planning on purchasing F-16s in the near future and said he will need advice and guidance from their state partner, South Carolina.

The Colombian team was led by Brig. Gen. Ramses Rueda, an active-duty pilot and director of the Colombian Air Force Officer's Academy. Rueda was accompanied by Maj. Robinson Florez, Capts. Carlos Caldas and Alex Martinez and Lt. Perez Sosa Giovanni Andres.

After a briefing from 169th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Michael Manning, the Colombians went on a tour of the 169th Operation Group, 169th Maintenance Group and had an avionics demonstration on the flight line.

After departing McEntire, the Colombian team flew to Ft. Worth, Texas, to visit Lockheed Martin's F-16 facility, according to Lt.Col. Andrew Thorne, the SCANG's SPP director.

 

 

Related Articles
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy, the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Army National Guard, addresses attendees of a warrant officer caucus session during the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) conference in Milwaukee, August 24, 2025. The 147th NGAUS General Conference and Exhibition – which is held annually to connect delegates from all 54 states and territories to discuss the future of the National Guard – took place August 21-25 and featured various events and social gatherings throughout Milwaukee to showcase Wisconsin’s rich history and heritage.
Searcy Leaves Legacy of Advocacy for Warrant Officers in Army Guard
By Lt. Col. Carla Raisler, | Aug. 28, 2025
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy, the eighth command chief warrant officer of the Army National Guard, will retire later this year after more than three decades of service.Searcy marked the occasion this...

The 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company conducts training exercise, Operation Golden Corridor in Dahlonega, Georgia, August 15, 2025. Throughout the duration of the exercise, Soldiers simulated peer and near-peer electromagnetic warfare scenarios and enhance unit proficiency in spectrum mapping, RF detection, and alternative radar awareness capabilities under austere conditions.
Georgia Guard Company Leads in Electromagnetic Warfare Modernization
By | Aug. 27, 2025
DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Georgia Army National Guard’s 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company, based in Forest Park, Georgia, is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the Army’s modernization efforts within the...

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy Shooting Match, August 21, 2025, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. The history of the Logan Duffy Rifle Match goes back nearly 90 years to the first match, which was held in 1936.
Massachusetts, New York Guard Members Compete in Historic Logan-Duffy Rifle Competition
By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Eaton,   | Aug. 27, 2025
DEVENS, Mass. – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy...