At Palanquero Air Base in Colombia, a 13-year defense partnership came to life as U.S. and Colombian forces joined hands to elevate battlefield medical readiness. During the multinational exercise Relámpago de los Andes 2025, medics from the South Carolina National Guard and the Colombian Aerospace Force engaged in intensive Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) response training.

Led by Senior Airman Angelica Gonzalez and Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Powell of the South Carolina Air National Guard, the sessions emphasized real-world preparedness. Gonzalez conducted the training entirely in Spanish, ensuring seamless communication with 19 Colombian medics. The team tackled decontamination protocols, protective gear handling, and emergency response techniques—skills made urgent by a recent incident involving chemical exposure among Colombian troops.

“This isn’t just about procedures—it’s about trust, resilience, and saving lives,” said Powell.

Bioenvironmental engineers Master Sgt. Krystal Patterson and Senior Airman Carolina Castrejon-Escobar demonstrated Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) techniques, while U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hunter Vaught led trauma care drills including airway management and needle chest decompression.

The exercise not only refined tactical skills but also deepened professional ties between the two nations. Colombian instructors gained exposure to advanced equipment and fresh perspectives on combat medicine—laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

Relámpago de los Andes continues to serve as a cornerstone of U.S.-Colombian defense cooperation, blending technical expertise with shared commitment to operational excellence.