ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. hosted Qatar Emiri Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Jassim Al-Mannai for an official counterpart visit March 16 to further deepen the strong U.S.-Qatar defense and security partnership.
As part of the visit, Al-Mannai received a full honors arrival, was awarded a Legion of Merit at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and attended both an office call with Brown and staff talks at the Pentagon.
During their office call, Brown expressed appreciation to Al-Mannai for Qatar’s continued hosting of U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base, which houses the largest contingent of U.S. Airmen in the Middle East and is a key enabler of cooperation and stability in the region.
The leaders also exchanged views on mutual security interests and agreed on the importance of increasing regional cooperation to address shared challenges. Brown highlighted and commended QEAF support to several regional initiatives that strengthen defense partnerships and promote greater collaboration.
The two sides further discussed the planned beddown of a QEAF F-15QA training squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, which Brown emphasized would provide unparalleled opportunities for U.S. and Qatari Airmen to build relationships as they work, train and fly together.
The office call was followed by staff talks to discuss areas of common interest and share best practices. Topics included enterprise strategy and planning; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and talent retention.
Prior to his engagements in the National Capital Region, Al-Mannai visited Mountain Home AFB March 14 for meetings with base and civic leaders.