Montana National Guard and Allies Enhance Disaster Response with Joint Exercise
Colombo, August 2, 2024 – The Montana National Guard and U.S. Pacific Air Forces, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Air Force and members of the Maldives National Defense Force, are conducting ‘Atlas Angel,’ a joint military exercise aimed at enhancing preparation and response to natural and man-made disasters. From August 5- 9, more than 70 U.S. personnel and two C-130 Hercules aircraft will participate alongside their Sri Lankan and Maldivian counterparts, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in disaster response and U.S. commitment to fostering a resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Atlas Angel will feature six exercises, including urban and medical search and rescue as well as airfield repair, culminating in a crisis management exercise on August 9. These exercises are designed to test and improve response capabilities across various scenarios, ensuring participants are prepared for real-world disasters. Following the main exercise, U.S. Air Force surgeons will engage in a knowledge exchange session at the Kothalawala Defence University in Colombo, sharing best practices with Sri Lankan military and civilian medical counterparts.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung applauded the disaster response cooperation: “Disasters know no borders and are increasing in frequency and intensity worldwide. The United States is committed to enhancing disaster preparedness, recognizing the importance of international collaboration to minimize damage, protect lives and livelihoods, and foster resilience and prosperity in the region. By sharing our expertise through practical exercises like Atlas Angel, we strengthen communities’ abilities to respond swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes.”
Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa stated, “Exercise Atlas Angel is one of the main combined exercises operationalized under the Montana State Partnership Program and it provides space for greater engagement between Sri Lanka Air Force and Montana National Guard through subject matter expert exchanges, developing strategic foresight on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief as well as Search and Rescue missions and promoting interoperability for collective security in the region.”
Montana National Guard Adjutant General Pete Hronek emphasized the critical role of training in disaster management: “Effective disaster management hinges on robust training that equips first responders, local authorities, and community members with the skills and knowledge they need to act decisively in times of crisis. Throughout this week, I look forward to working with regional counterparts and learning from their expertise as we go through realistic simulations, ensuring we are all ready to act in the event of an emergency.”
About the Montana National Guard
The Montana National Guard is a group of primarily civilian men and women who typically perform military duties on a part-time basis in support of their community, state, and nation through national defense and disaster response. The Guard provides trained and ready forces for both state and federal missions. Under the U.S. Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, Montana National Guard has partnered with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense, armed forces, and disaster management organizations since 2021, conducting mutually beneficial exchanges that enhance disaster preparedness, resilience, and other capability areas.
