The Montana National Guard and U.S. Pacific Air Forces, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Maldives National Defense Force, are conducting 'Atlas Angel,' a joint military exercise focused on improving disaster response capabilities. Running from August 5-9, the exercise features over 70 U.S. personnel and two C-130 Hercules aircraft working alongside Sri Lankan and Maldivian counterparts.
Atlas Angel includes six exercises, such as urban and medical search and rescue and airfield repair, culminating in a crisis management simulation on August 9. The exercises aim to enhance response readiness for various scenarios. Following the main exercises, U.S. Air Force surgeons will lead a knowledge exchange session at the Kothalawala Defence University in Colombo, sharing best practices with Sri Lankan military and civilian medical professionals.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung praised the collaboration, noting, “Disasters know no borders and are increasing globally. The U.S. is committed to strengthening disaster preparedness through international cooperation, which is vital for minimizing damage, protecting lives, and fostering regional resilience.”
Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa highlighted the exercise’s role in enhancing strategic partnerships and interoperability, stating, “Atlas Angel is a key component of the Montana State Partnership Program, promoting engagement and strategic foresight in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
Montana National Guard Adjutant General Pete Hronek stressed the importance of training, stating, “Effective disaster management depends on thorough training. This week, I look forward to collaborating with regional partners and applying realistic simulations to ensure readiness for emergencies.
