Defense Secretary Leon Panetta signed a pact enhancing security cooperation and strategic dialogue with New Zealand, announced the Pentagon. The Washington Declaration, inked on June 19 with New Zealand defense minister Jonathan Coleman during the latter’s visit to Washington, D.C., “reflects a shared commitment to a stable and peaceful Asia-Pacific region,” states the Pentagon’s release that day. The two nations committed to increasing maritime security cooperation to combat piracy, terrorism, and illicit trafficking; and to strengthening joint humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts, according to the declaration text. “New Zealand’s relationship with the US has advanced significantly in the last three years,” stated Coleman in a New Zealand defense release June 19. The declaration highlights the “significant security cooperation that exists . . . within the context of our independent foreign policy, and seeks to build upon that cooperation in the years ahead,” added Coleman.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
