BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- A group of distinguished visitors from the United States’ oldest ally visited the headquarters of Air Force Global Strike Command, May 29-31.
French Air and Space Force Lt. Gen. Jérôme Bellanger, commander, French Strategic Air Forces, his wife Sandrine Bellanger, and others from the French Strategic Air Forces met with U.S. Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and his wife Barbara Bussiere, along with Chief Master Sgt. Melvina Smith, AFGSC Command Chief, and other senior leaders during their visit to Barksdale.
“I’d like to thank General Bussiere and his wife Barbara for inviting us to visit Barksdale AFB and to discuss the challenges we’re facing. It’s a great opportunity to foster cooperation and deepen the friendship of two fundamental strategic partners. A regular dialogue between the French SAF and AFGSC is key to mutual knowledge and interoperability,” said Gen. Bellanger.
During the visit, the French Airmen attended various mission briefings hosted by Gen. Bussiere and Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, 8th Air Force commander, received a B-52 orientation flight, toured the weapons systems simulator and a B-52 weapons display, as well as observed a military working dog demonstration and a demonstration by the local explosive ordnance disposal flight.
“I’m honored Lt. Gen. Bellanger, his wife Sandrine, and our friends from the French Air Force Strategic Air Forces Command could visit with us and discuss interoperability between our forces,” said Gen. Bussiere. “As longtime allies with a shared commitment to freedom and democracy, we continue to build on the proud legacy of friendship and cooperation between the United States and France.”