Spiritual engagements strengthen foreign ties in Philippines

Photo By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cooper | U.S. Air Force Chaplain, Maj. Aaron Thorne, 36th Tactical Advising Squadron air advisor, poses for a photo during exercise Cope Thunder 23-2 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 13, 2023. Strengthening alliances and partnerships with key allies like the Philippines, creates a network of security capable of deterring aggression, maintaining stability, and ensuring free access to common domains in accordance with international law. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cooper)  

CLARK AIR BASE, PHILIPPINES

07.20.2023

Story by 2nd Lt. Rebecca Abordo 

Pacific Air Forces

U.S. Air Force air advisors are building significant relationships with the Philippine Air Force during exercise Cope Thunder 23-2. Chaplain, Maj. Aaron Thorne, 36th Tactical Advising Squadron air advisor, cultivates these ties through spiritual engagements, as one of the only operating chaplain air advisors in the U.S. Air Force.

“The role of an air advisor is to build relationships with partner nations and to make sure we have the relationships that we need for interoperability during exercises,” Thorne said. “This can involve anything from training with equipment to training tactics.”

Air advisors are trained to help educate, equip and advise foreign personnel in support of the host nation’s needs. Advisors are derived from a wide range of Air Force career fields, engaging with foreign counterparts around the world.

During CT 23-2, Thorne and a team of advisors have engaged in subject matter expert exchanges with PAF members to transfer information and learn from each other. Almost every specialty job in the two services had counterparts they could exchange knowledge with, including chaplain services.

“Chaplain Thorne shared some concepts and ideas on how we can all be enhanced as chaplains,” said PAF Chaplain, Capt. Aaron Guibao, Chaplain Service. “This is very special in our culture; we love to host others since that’s when we learn the most.”

Throughout the exercise, Thorne attended meetings with schools, seminary leaders and religious councils to make connections with members of the surrounding communities. He was welcomed by the Filipino populace with grace.

“It’s been nothing but graciousness and excitement for the opportunities we have to spend time together,” Thorne said. “That welcoming nature is pretty amazing.”

Exercises like Cope Thunder enhance capability and interoperability, while strengthening trust between like-minded nations. Air advisors help build strong partnerships with key allies like the Philippines through these bilateral training opportunities.

• Date Taken: 07.20.2023
• Date Posted: 07.21.2023 14:11
• Story ID: 449691
• Location: CLARK AIR BASE, PH