JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Days after the close of President Barack Obama's Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., approximately 30 Joint Team Andrews military liaisons completed their nearly month-long missions to coordinate logistical support for each arrival.
Military liaisons were assigned to each country and were key players in the 316th Wing-led operations to provide safe, effective, and efficient arrival and departure services for the president's invited guests.
They were part of a protocol-led team comprised of escorts and linguists, who attended to details of a delegation's visit ranging from catering requirements to luggage handling, and protocol issues to schedule changes.
Liaison' s responsibilities positioned them to be ambassadors, and their work earned Joint Team Andrews a shining report.
"Joint Base Andrews members have done an excellent job in facilitating the arrival of the Chilean president," said Francisco Soto, assistant to Chilean Air Force Maj. Rodrigo Carreno and member of the Chilean delegation. "If we have had a question, we have been given an answer and we haven't had any problems. We are very glad to be able to come and work jointly with base members."
After an initial meeting between embassy staff and Joint Base Andrews protocol members, all responsibility for planning arrivals and departures with each country fell to liaisons. Their list of responsibilities included finding out what requirements were for their assigned country for security screening for luggage and passengers, timing the arrival of luggage and passengers, making sure requirements were met for cabin cleaning and catering needs, and the timing of the arrival of greeters - members of embassy staff including ambassadors.
"Prior to the arrivals of foreign officials and their delegations, all military liaisons went through a training class provided by members of the protocol office," said John Polhemus, 316th Wing Protocol foreign missions specialist. "The liaisons also held advance meetings with embassy staff, advance teams from each country, and airline personnel, when applicable, to further plan and coordinate the arrival of foreign delegations."
Through detailed planning and coordination with embassy and advance team members, liaisons effectively served as excellent ambassadors for the base as well as the nation.
"The liaisons did wonderfully," said Mr. Polhemus. "They each served as ambassadors not only for the installation, but for the United States of America. The countries were greatly appreciative of the help and coordination of their respective liaisons. They were key to each mission's success."
Country delegations came to Andrews to meet their respective heads of delegation as they transited Andrews on their way to the summit.
Liaisons often met country delegations for the first time during advance meetings between protocol staff members and country representatives.
"My part in planning the arrival of the Indian president and his delegation began about three-and a half weeks ago," said 1st Lt. Vinny Pande, 316th Mission Support Group commander's executive and India liaison. He said he coordinated with the Indian Embassy as well as numerous units on Joint Base Andrews. "Together with 316th Security Forces Squadron members and augmentees, federal agents providing security, 316th Wing protocol, 316th Mission Support Group members and members of other units, we executed this arrival flawlessly."
One liaison attributes mission success to a couple key practices.
"The most important aspects of coordinating this arrival have been planning and maintaining an open line of communication with all points of contact," said 1st Lt. Paul Bozzo, 1st Helicopter Squadron pilot and Chile liaison. "Even with so many different departments communicating with each other, they've done an exquisite job here - better than I could have ever imagined."