Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and 40 personnel from U.S. Army South will participate in an airborne assault exercise in Colombia.
During the Jan. 23-29 exercise, U.S. and Colombian paratroopers will conduct an airborne training insertion from C-130 Hercules aircraft of both nations, followed by tactical exercises designed to simulate the securing of an airfield, U.S. Southern Command officials said.
U.S. and Colombian service members will practice working together and will share strategic and tactical expertise, officials added.
"We are honored to train with Colombia, a close friend of the U.S. and global partner to NATO," said Navy Adm. Craig Faller, the Southcom commander. "This airborne exercise demonstrates the interoperability, lethality and professionalism of our militaries."
Southcom routinely conducts partner and multinational exercises throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen partnerships, build readiness, and increase interoperability, officials noted, adding that this exercise illustrates the command's enduring commitment to the Western Hemisphere.