Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs

April 8, 2025
National Guard Bureau Chief Sees Promising Partnership in Timor-Leste

DILI, Timor Leste — The chief of the National Guard Bureau visited Timor-Leste last week to underscore the Rhode Island National Guard’s budding security cooperation ties with the island nation through the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. “I can’t overstate the value of this mutually
March 8, 2024
Hokanson Announces new State Partnership Program Nations

A program that pairs the National Guard in the states and territories with foreign allies and partners is set to grow by several nations this year, the National Guard’s top officer announced March 7.
Oct. 20, 2023
In Finland, Hokanson Sees a Country’s Cold Will to Defend Itself

The National Guard’s top officer recently visited Finland as part of a larger Northern European itinerary to strengthen the Guard’s security cooperation ties in the region.
Sept. 20, 2023
Hokanson: Panama a Global Crossroads, Key Security Cooperation Partner

The Republic of Panama is a bridge that connects the Americas. Its renowned canal is one of the most strategic waterways in the world. It also is a key security cooperation partner for the United States, the National Guard’s top general said during a recent visit to the country.
June 30, 2023
Hokanson Reinforces National Guard Partnership with America’s Longest-standing Indo-Pacific Ally

The U.S. National Guard’s top general met with Philippine military leaders recently to discuss enhancing the security cooperation partnership between the Southeast Asian island nation and the Hawaii and Guam National Guard.
June 30, 2023
In South Korea, Hokanson Assesses Potential National Guard Support

Assessing how the National Guard might support U.S. and Republic of Korea forces at a time of deepening defense and security ties between the two nations was top of mind for Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson during his recent visit here.
April 24, 2023
Hokanson: State Partnership Program Stable, Steadfast and Growing

The Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program — built on enduring relationships, common interests and trust — is stable, steadfast and growing, the Guard’s top leader said Thursday.
March 15, 2023
Sultanate of Oman Joins Growing State Partnership Program

A relationship formed almost two centuries ago – when the Sultanate of Oman became the first Arab Gulf state to sign a bilateral accord with the United States – deepened this week with the signing of a security cooperation agreement with the Arizona National Guard.
Feb. 22, 2023
Norway Adds Top-tier Military Experience to State Partnership Program

Celebrating a half-century of training together last week, Norway and the Minnesota National Guard strengthened ties by formally pairing in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program.
Feb. 22, 2023
In Finland, Guard Leaders Look to Enhance Already Strong Ties

The National Guard’s most senior general met with Finland’s defense leadership and observed military training during a three-day stop last week.