AFSAC hosts its 29th annual FLO International Reception

Published June 6, 2024
By Jim Varhegyi, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFLCMC) -- The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation (AFSAC) Directorate hosted the 29^th annual International Reception for their Foreign Liaison Officers (FLOs) on May 23 near Wright-Patt.

Headquartered at Wright-Patt and under the direction of Brig. Gen. Joel Safranek, AFSAC administers the Air Force’s multi-billion dollar Foreign Military Sales (FMS) enterprise including the sale of aircraft, munitions, equipment, supply, and construction needed to deliver and support airpower capabilities of partner nations around the world.

FLO’s are assigned to work side-by-side with AFSAC personnel to manage the logistics of their country's weapon systems. The FLO program also brings together common values and goals from across the many cultures represented in the FLO community.

“The Foreign Liaison Officer’s International Reception is a testament to the strength of our international partnerships and demonstrates the united resolve we share with more than 110 partner nations and agencies to promote global peace and preserve international norms,” said the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s commander Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, who attended the reception. “The FLOs represent the very best of their nations and I’m proud to serve beside them, along with the entire Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate.”

Two men talk during the AFSAC/FLO international reception — AFSAC hosts its 29th annual FLO International Reception

Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Chris Meddens (left) speaks with another Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) during the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC) Foreign Liaison Officers International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 23, 2024. The AFSAC/FLO program strives to bring together common values, mindsets, and goals to share across cultures for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

A man talks at a podium during the AFSAC/FLO International reception — AFSAC hosts its 29th annual FLO International Reception

Brig. Gen. Joel Safranek, director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC), gives his remarks during the AFSAC Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 23, 2024. The AFSAC/FLO program strives to bring together common values, mindsets, and goals to share across cultures for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

Three men talk during the AFSAC/FLO International reception — AFSAC hosts its 29th annual FLO International Reception

Brig. Gen. Joel Safranek (left), director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC), speaks to two Foreign Liaison Officers (FLOs) during the AFSAC/FLO International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 23, 2024. The AFSAC/FLO program strives to bring together common values, mindsets, and goals to share across cultures for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

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

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) held a panel discussion on May 14 focusing on U.S. Defense priorities and military readiness.

During his remarks, outgoing FLO Chairman, Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Chris Meddens echoed a key point from the discussion by saying, “Partnership with allies is the key to maintaining the edge amid an increasingly challenging security environment.”

Meddens went on to explain that we collectively need to seek strategic deterrence through strong alliances and by demonstrating active mutual support.

“The key advantage that we have are our allies and partners, all over the world, who actively support growing and interoperable capabilities,” explained Meddens. “These allies and partnerships continue to grow not by conquest or coercion but by consent, and not by force of arms but by the desire of mutual security demonstrating a global community committed to defending the free world. Tonight signifies the execution of that commitment by the U.S. and all of our nations to build effective alliances and relationships.”

The AFSAC director noted during his remarks the high degree of professionalism, positive attitude, and the institutional culture of public partnership the AFSAC FLO community demonstrates on a daily basis.

“In any ever shrinking and complex world the importance of international partnerships cannot be overstated,” said Safranek. “Today more than ever our global challenges demand collective actions and cooperation. It’s not just about diplomacy today, it’s about building enduring relationships that transcend borders and understand the test of time.”

AFSAC hosts its 29th annual FLO International Reception

Members of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate's (AFSAC), Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) program gathered for an International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 23, 2024. The AFSAC/FLO program strives to bring together common values, mindsets, and goals to share across cultures for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

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Band members perform during AFSCAL FLO reception — AFSAC hosts its 29th annual FLO International Reception

Members of the United States Air Force Band of Flight perform during the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate's (AFSAC), Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) programs International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 23, 2024. The AFSAC/FLO program strives to bring together common values, mindsets, and goals to share across cultures for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

Two men hold award during the AFSAC/FLO International reception — AFSAC hosts its 29th annual FLO International Reception

Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) chairman Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Chris Meddens (left) presents Brig. Gen. Joel Safranek, director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC), with the AFSAC/FLO Coin of Excellence during the AFSAC/FLO International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 23, 2024. The coin is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism, leadership, dedication and commitment to the international FLO community. The AFSAC/FLO program strives to bring together common values, mindsets, and goals to share across cultures for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

People gather for selfie during the AFSAC FLO International reception — AFSAC hosts its 29th annual FLO International Reception

Members of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate's (AFSAC), Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) program gathered for an International Reception near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 23, 2024. The AFSAC/FLO program strives to bring together common values, mindsets, and goals to share across cultures for the greater good of all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)