WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFLCMC) --- The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation (AFSAC) Directorate held its 30th annual International Reception led by its Foreign Liaison Officers (FLOs) on May 23 near Wright-Patt.
Headquartered at Wright-Patt and under the direction of Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, AFSAC administers the Air Force’s multi-billion-dollar Foreign Military Sales (FMS) enterprise. Geraghty’s team oversees the sale of aircraft, munitions, equipment, supplies, and construction needed to deliver and support airpower capabilities of partner nations around the world.
“The International Reception is an outstanding event that allowed me to interact with our international partners and experience the diversity of cultures. Our Foreign Laison Officers are critical to the success of not only their home country’s mission, but also to the success of the U.S. Air Force’s mission,” said the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Executive Director Dennis D’Angelo, who attended the reception. “The foreign liaison officers help us build strong partnerships and friendships today so that we can support each other in the future. Their presence helps us better understand the needs of their militaries while allowing them to experience the greatness of our country. The International Reception is a great way to celebrate our cultures and renew our friendships. I am grateful for the honor to have participated."
The AFSAC workforce focuses on supporting the national defense strategy (NDS), by strengthening alliances and attracting new partners. It does that by providing USAF weapon systems and associated logistics, sustainment, and building construction support to international partners, which in turn strengthens their national security and contributes immeasurably to global security.
“I truly love this mission. I tell people I have the best job ever. This is an incredible opportunity to work here and contribute to a worldwide mission. I value the FLOs more than you'll ever know, and I have immense respect for those who move from their countries to come here to build this partnership, work with us, and help us learn about you, your cultures, and your desires, while also sharing them with us,” said Shawn Lyman, AFSAC’s Deputy Director. “We are living in a fast-changing world with many ongoing conflicts, challenges, and significant uncertainty. Our mission and obligation are to contribute to maintaining peace and stability for our nations and to provide the framework for a safe and prosperous world for our children and future generations.”
FLOs are assigned to work side-by-side with AFSAC personnel to manage the logistics of their country's weapon systems. The FLO program also fosters common values and goals among the diverse cultures represented within the FLO community.
“Tonight we come together as a global community with a common mindset, values, and goals, which we share across our cultures, ensuring peace, prosperity, and faith,” said FLO committee chairman Col. Georgis Tzamalis of Greece and the Hellenic Air Force. “I would like to express our community’s gratitude for the AFSAC leadership, especially from Brigadier General Geraghty and Mr. Lyman, for their open and transparent cooperation and for their efforts to resolve the oftentimes difficult and complex issues that we come across. Their efforts have helped enhance cooperation and understanding with other United States government organizations outside of AFSAC and the Air Force Materiel Command structure. They’ve also helped to minimize turbulence and the negative effects from the recent substantial changes in our daily business. Thank you for being here tonight to reaffirm our long-lasting partnership and friendship.”