Lakenheath hosts exchange program forum Published Aug. 3, 2017 By Airman 1st Class Eli Chevalier 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- More than 50 U.S. Airmen met for the Military Personnel Exchange Program forum at Eagles Landing here, July 26-27. The program transfers U.S. Airmen, from a variety of career fields, to a partner nation’s air force for a three year term, to learn about that host nation’s air forces’ operations and build international relations. “Our exchange officers and noncommissioned officers are leading airmen and partner with air forces across U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Central Command, to build relationships and capabilities with partners,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Lawrence Martin Jr., Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. “We learn from, and help our partners learn, together, and most importantly, build lasting relationships with our partner airmen and air forces.” MPEP strengthens U.S. and global security through partnerships in air, space and cyberspace by integrating security cooperation activities, advancing partner capabilities and interoperability and developing international Airmen. Currently, more than 130 Airmen are working in 22 countries worldwide, as participants in the MPEP, ultimately enhancing interoperability with U.S. allies. “The exchange personnel get to do something a little different than they’ve done in previous U.S. Air Force assignments,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Randy Allen, MPEP European, African and Middle Eastern element commander. “They gain the huge professional benefit of working completely immersed within our partner air forces.” During the forum, topics such as professional development and the strategic environment of the exchange program were discussed.