Amid Syria strikes, CENTCOM Air Force chief visits Israel

Following the visit, Norkin said that the "strategic cooperation with American forces enables us to learn and grow.

By UDI SHAHAM
Updated: FEBRUARY 27, 2021 17:03
Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) Commander, Lt.-Gen. Gregory M. Guillot meeting his Israeli counterpart Air Force, Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin (February 26) (photo credit: IDF)
Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) Commander, Lt.-Gen. Gregory M. Guillot meeting his Israeli counterpart Air Force, Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin (February 26)
(photo credit: IDF)
Amid reports of an American airstrike against Iranian targets in eastern Syria, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) Commander, Lt.-Gen. Gregory Guillot completed his first visit to Israel on Friday.
Guillot was hosted by his Israeli counterpart, Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin.
An IDF spokesperson unit statement said the purpose of the visit was to promote operational interests, continue to develop channels of cooperation, and to maintain and deepen the relationship between the militaries.
During his visit to Israel, Guillot visited the Tel Nof and Nevatim Air Force bases.
Guillot also conducted a joint flight with Norkin in the F15 aircraft of the 106th Squadron at Tel Nof base and visited Squadron 116, where they discussed 5th generation aircraft and their impact on the Middle East theater of operations.
Following the visit, Norkin said the “strategic cooperation with American forces enables us to learn and grow.
“During the Ninth Air Force Commander’s visit, we talked about aerial activity in the Middle East, combining 4th and 5th generation aircraft, and future collaborations between the forces. We will continue to work closely with our American allies, in order to continue to learn and improve constantly.”
Guillot said that “working closely with our Israeli partners remains critical to maintaining regional security. Our partnership with Israel has been built over years of trust and cooperation, and AFCENT [Ninth Air Force] looks forward to further developing this relationship through future integration activities.”