The Montana National Guard and U.S. Pacific Air Forces have teamed up with the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Maldives National Defense Force for 'Atlas Angel,' a joint military exercise focused on enhancing disaster response capabilities. Running from August 5-9, the exercise involves over 70 U.S. personnel and two C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Atlas Angel includes six exercises, such as urban and medical search and rescue, and airfield repair, concluding with a crisis management drill on August 9. These activities aim to improve readiness for natural and man-made disasters.

In addition, U.S. Air Force surgeons will share best practices with Sri Lankan medical personnel at Kothalawala Defence University in Colombo.

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung highlighted the importance of international cooperation in disaster preparedness, while Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa highlighted the strategic benefits of the exercise. Montana National Guard Adjutant General Pete Hronek spoke about the critical role of training in effective disaster management.