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HNCC influences mission success through host nation rapport

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Southwest Asia --  Standing in the shadows of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing's accomplishments is one unit who works behind the scenes with diligence, a smile and a firm handshake. 

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Host Nation Coordination Cell acts as the liaison between U.S. Armed Forces and the host nation. 

"The primary mission of HNCC is to facilitate and coordinate all interaction between the U.S. military and the (host nation) government to include any customs, security, immigration, infrastructure and frequency management related issues," said Lt. Col. Sammie Willingham, 379 AEW/HNCC deputy commander. "Our role is to be the liaison between the U.S. military and contractors working on behalf of the Department of Defense and the (host nation). 

"There are many pieces of equipment that are either deployed to (Southwest Asia) or transit through (Southwest Asia) that need coordination and clearance with the appropriate entity in the (host nation)," said the Jackson, Miss., native. "We also make sure all U.S. citizens coming into and leaving the country have the proper clearance." 

In some form or fashion, the 17-member cell touches approximately 75 to 80 percent of all the missions on the base. With a friendly demeanor, HNCC puts forth a lot of time and effort to maintain the close bond between U.S. and host nation forces. 

"We are the ones who deal directly with the colonels and generals at the (host nation's) headquarters to get anything coordinated," said Capt. Christine Carr, 379 AEW/HNCC customs officer in charge. "Our job requires a lot of negotiating; it takes a lot of drinking tea and talking." 

Almost everything that happens on this base needs host nation approval because it's their base, said the Mary Esther, Fla., native. 

To ensure proper communication, especially when the technical jargon is more apparent, the four translators within the cell help to effectively nullify the language barrier between the two forces. 

"A lot of our host nation counterparts do speak some English, but when the communication gets too technical that's when we definitely need the translators," said Captain Carr, deployed from Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. "They help us ensure the right messages are being delivered both ways." 

Ensuring proper communication allows the wing to carry out its mission. In this rotation alone, HNCC has coordinated with the host nation to get more than 3,000 waivers for cargo to be brought into the country. 

"If the base needs building supplies from the airport or one of the seaports, that information has to come through us so we can request a waiver to have those items brought into the country," she said. 

"Somehow we touch almost everything and everyone," Captain Carr said. "Everyone coming into the country has to come through customs and we directly work with the host nation to ensure everything runs smoothly." 

Sometimes it can be a challenge though, said Tech. Sgt. Willie Cooper, 379 AEW/HNCC customs noncommissioned officer in charge. "There are host nation sensitivities everyone must be aware of. 

"Most people deploying to this country or coming through here don't realize that this isn't our base," said the Pontiac, Mich., native. "We are guests and visitors here. Most people don't realize we have to follow their rules. It can be a big headache for those who do not realize that. 

HNCC's primary concern when personnel are entering the country is to prevent deportation." 

Anyone who violates the host nation's rules or immigrates improperly into the country is at great risk of being deported and that has a large negative impact to the mission, said Captain Carr. 

"We have an excellent relationship with the host nation and as long as we follow the rules we'll be good," she said. 

HNCC proves everyday that having friends in the right place can help with just about anything - even when it comes to winning the Global War on Terror. 

"We have a great team," said Colonel Willingham, deployed from the Mississippi Air National Guard Training Site, Gulfport, Miss. "We come together and we stay focused. The dedication we bring to the table is the cornerstone of our success. 

"Seeing the mission getting accomplished tells us that we made sure all of the proper coordination was in place to ensure the right personnel and right piece of equipment got to its proper destination," he said.