Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 News
    
        Photos

    Week in Photos

    Air Force TV

    Commentaries

    Features

    Art

    About Us
    
        Air Force Senior Leaders
    
        SECAF

    CSAF

    CMSAF

    Biographies

    Fact Sheets

    SECAF Reading List

    CSAF Leadership Library
    
        CSAF Leadership Library 2022

    CSAF Leadership Library 2021

    CSAF Reading List Pre-2020 Archive
    
        2018 CSAF Reading List

    2017 CSAF Reading List

    2016 CSAF Reading List

    CSAF Leadership Library 2023

    CMSAF Leadership Library

    50 Years of the CMSAF

    Adjunct Professors

    Air Force Strategic Documents

    Arctic Strategy

    Empowered Airmen

    State Licensure Portability

    Careers

    AF Federal Advisory Committees

    AF 75th Anniversary

    Policy Updates

    AF Content Management

    Contact Us

    AF Sites
    
        Site RegistrationU.S. Air Force LogoAir Force

        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders      Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Commander of the Colombian Air Force General Carlos Eduardo Bueno Vargas salute during the Memorial Heroes Caidos en Combate in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. Goldfein's visit to the country and U.S. engagement in the region reflect the enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity between the Americas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)181115-F-RE693-077
                        
                        
                        Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Commander of the Colombian Air Force General Carlos Eduardo Bueno Vargas salute during the Memorial Heroes Caidos en Combate in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. Goldfein's visit to the country and U.S. engagement in the region reflect the enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity between the Americas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein is welcomed to Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 14, 2018, by members of the U.S. and Colombian air forces. Regional partnerships like that of the U.S. and Colombia reflect an enduring promise of a cooperative, prosperous and secure hemisphere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)181114-F-RE693-078
                        
                        
                        Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein is welcomed to Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 14, 2018, by members of the U.S. and Colombian air forces. Regional partnerships like that of the U.S. and Colombia reflect an enduring promise of a cooperative, prosperous and secure hemisphere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Commander of the Colombian Air Force General Carlos Eduardo Bueno Vargas render salutes during a ceremony at the Memorial Heroes Caidos en Combate in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. During the ceremony, which took place during his visit to the country Nov. 14-15, Goldfein laid a wreath to honor Colombian troops lost in battle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)181115-F-RE693-0194
                        
                        
                        Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Commander of the Colombian Air Force General Carlos Eduardo Bueno Vargas render salutes during a ceremony at the Memorial Heroes Caidos en Combate in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. During the ceremony, which took place during his visit to the country Nov. 14-15, Goldfein laid a wreath to honor Colombian troops lost in battle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Commander of the Colombian Armed Forces General Alberto José Mejía expresses thanks and support to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein during a meeting between Colombian and U.S. military leaders in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. By working together with partner nations and regional leaders, the U.S. will achieve effective solutions to common challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)181115-F-RE693-0551
                        
                        
                        Commander of the Colombian Armed Forces General Alberto José Mejía expresses thanks and support to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein during a meeting between Colombian and U.S. military leaders in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. By working together with partner nations and regional leaders, the U.S. will achieve effective solutions to common challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Commander of the Colombian Armed Forces General Alberto José Mejía expresses thanks and support to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein during a meeting between Colombian and U.S. military leaders in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. By working together with partner nations and regional leaders, the U.S. will achieve effective solutions to common challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)181115-F-RE693-0557
                        
                        
                        Commander of the Colombian Armed Forces General Alberto José Mejía expresses thanks and support to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein during a meeting between Colombian and U.S. military leaders in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. By working together with partner nations and regional leaders, the U.S. will achieve effective solutions to common challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Commander of the Colombian Air Force General Carlos Eduardo Bueno Vargas briefs Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein on capabilities and common interests between the countries' air forces, in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. Regional partnerships like that of the U.S. and Colombia reflect an enduring promise of a cooperative, prosperous and secure hemisphere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)181115-F-RE693-0631
                        
                        
                        Commander of the Colombian Air Force General Carlos Eduardo Bueno Vargas briefs Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein on capabilities and common interests between the countries' air forces, in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. Regional partnerships like that of the U.S. and Colombia reflect an enduring promise of a cooperative, prosperous and secure hemisphere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein addresses Colombian Air Force War College students at the Canton Norte in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. Goldfein's visit to the country and U.S. engagement in the region reflect the enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity within the Americas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)181115-F-RE693-0918
                        
                        
                        Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein addresses Colombian Air Force War College students at the Canton Norte in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. Goldfein's visit to the country and U.S. engagement in the region reflect the enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity within the Americas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Commander of the Colombian Air Force General Carlos Eduardo Bueno Vargas pose for a photo in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. In 1822, the United States became one of the first countries to recognize the republic of Colombia and to establish a resident diplomatic mission in the country. Goldfein's visit to the country and U.S. engagement in the region reflect the enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity between the Americas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)181115-F-RE693-1032
                        
                        
                        Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Commander of the Colombian Air Force General Carlos Eduardo Bueno Vargas pose for a photo in Bogota, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2018. In 1822, the United States became one of the first countries to recognize the republic of Colombia and to establish a resident diplomatic mission in the country. Goldfein's visit to the country and U.S. engagement in the region reflect the enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity between the Americas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res

Visiting Colombia, CSAF stresses importance of maintaining close ties to key Latin America allyPublished Nov. 16, 2018
                    
                    By Charles Pope
                    
                    
                    Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
            **BOGOTA, Columbia (AFNS) --**Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein concluded a two-day visit to Colombia on Thursday, reinforcing bonds with one of the United States’ closest allies in Latin America and pledging to accelerate joint training activities with an air force he called the “gold standard” in the region.The visit was Goldfein’s first as the Air Force’s highest-ranking officer to a country that has worked closely with the United States on an assortment of regional and security concerns for decades. At the same time, Goldfein’s visit took place amid heightened regional concerns that underscored the importance of maintaining the longstanding ties the countries share.“Colombia is the gold standard when it comes to securing a country and forging a positive way forward,” Goldfein said during an address to a collection of senior leaders, junior officers and non-commissioned officers, noting that the Colombian Air Force participated in the last U.S. Air Force Red Flag exercise.As he did throughout the two-day visit in Bogata, Goldfein praised the Colombian military – and specifically its air force – for its high performance and partnership.“As our national defense strategy states, we cannot win without coalition partners. ... Colombia has been, and will continue to be, a capable and willing partner of the United States,” Goldfein said. In addition to policy discussions that ranged from strategies for Colombia’s ongoing actions to defeat narco-terrorism, security implications triggered by political turmoil in neighboring Venezuela and Colombia’s potential for training pilots from other countries in light attack, there was pomp and ceremonies that captured the two countries’ relationship.In a ceremony at the Memorial Heroes Caidos en Combate, or Fallen Heroes Memorial, Goldfein laid a wreath to honor Colombian troops lost in battle. Later in the day during a gathering of senior leaders from both air forces, Colombia’s highest-ranking air force officer, Gen. Carlos Eduardo Bueno, told Goldfein, “The United States and the United States Air Force will always be considered our principle strategic ally.”Before departing for Washington, Goldfein also bestowed the Legion of Merit to Bueno. In presenting the award, which is one the highest honors the military confers, Goldfein said it reflected Bueno’s leadership in transforming the air force into “an island of excellence.”“The benchmark for the Colombian Air Force at all times is the United States Air Force; the United States Air Force, for us, is the reference,” Bueno said in an interview Thursday. “We have been studying with the United States Air Force, training with the United States Air Force and to have the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force for the first time in history for an official visit ... is very important.”While only two full days, Goldfein’s visit was a whirlwind of public events as well as private discussions with Colombia’s military leadership. It included an hour-long session with Gen. Alberto Mejia who is the Colombia’s parallel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Like Bueno, Mejia highlighted a strong and productive history of cooperation between the two nations. “You are part of everything we do and we are proud of that,” Mejia told Goldfein. “That kind of partnership is making an incredible difference.”He thanked Goldfein and the United States for working closely on both establishing and executing interoperability. Demonstrating that capacity is important now that Colombia has been designated a NATO global partner. Mejia also thanked Goldfein for Colombia’s participation in the last Red Flag exercise.But Mejia also noted a collection of difficult issues that could test the relationship. Among the challenges are the continuing threat to Colombia’s stability from nacro-trafficking as well as ongoing problems in Venezuela that have triggered a flow of refugees to Colombia. Goldfein’s trip was the most recent example of senior U.S. officials visiting Colombia this year. In addition to Mattis, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley as well as Admiral Kurt Tidd, head of U.S. Southern Command, visited the country. Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also came to Colombia when he served. For the United States, the interest is both strategic and longstanding.In 1822, for example, the United States became one of the first countries to recognize the republic of Colombia and to establish a resident diplomatic mission in the country.More recently, Mack McLarty, who served as chief of staff for former President Bill Clinton, and John Negroponte, who served in a variety of security and diplomatic positions for former President George W. Bush including U.N. ambassador, wrote in an op-ed for the Miami Herald about U.S. relations with Colombia.“As we address an ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, Colombia represents a stable, democratic neighbor to the west,” they wrote.CSAF 



Goldfein 



Columbia 



Bogota 



Memorial Heroes Caidos en Combate 



Gen. Alberto Mejia 



cooperation 



Latin America 



partnership 



Gen. Carlos Eduardo Bueno Featured News
        Senior Leader Priorities
                SecAF, CSAF, CMSAF begin Indo-Pacific trip focused on ACE
                    
                    DAF leaders talk budget, reoptimizing the force
                    
                    DAF leaders speak at National Character and Leadership Symposium
                    
                    DAF members recognized during BEYA STEM awards
                    
                    DAF senior enlisted advisors discuss Airmen, Guardians in the fightInnovation
                F-16s arrive to be modified for autonomous testing
                    
                    AFWERX director discusses role of tech startups, quick innovation in Great Power Competition
                    
                    DAF delivers lethality at the speed of data during Project Convergence Capstone 4
                    
                    DAF welcomes industry partners to HQ development program
                    
                    DAF announces Spark Tank 2024 finalistsMAJCOM News
                Safety enterprise announces new mission, vision, goals in 2024 strategic plan
                    
                    Air Combat Command welcomes new commander
                    
                    USAFE-AFAFRICA commander discusses Integrated Air, Missile Defense during Munich Security Conference
                    
                    Flosi to AFMC family: Embrace change, make every day count
                    
                    AMC rises to increasing global tension
 Quick Links
AccessibilityContact UsEqual OpportunityFOIA | Privacy | Section 508Information QualityInspector GeneralJAG Court-Martial DocketLink DisclaimerNo FEAR ActOpen GovernmentOSI Tip LinePlain LanguageQuestionsResilienceRSSSite MapVeterans Crisis LineCareers
Join the Air ForceAir Force BenefitsAir Force CareersAir Force ReserveAir National GuardCivilian ServiceConnect
            Get Social with Us
            
            Official United States Air Force Website
    Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil