GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador -- A Reservist raised in Ecuador and member of U.S. Southern Command South recently led a Subject Matter Expert Exchange here with the Ecuadorian military forces focusing on enhancing air-to-ground integration to support maneuver forces.
The four-day exchange, requested by Ecuadorian leadership through the U.S. Embassy, significantly bolstered interoperability between U.S. and Ecuadorian forces and strengthened joint efforts to counter illicit actors operating along Ecuador’s northern border and within its maritime domains.
"Having spent a significant part of my childhood in Ecuador, I have a deep appreciation for the country and its people,” said Lt. Col. Phillip Vaughn, Expeditionary Task Group commander. “This allowed me to approach the exchange with a level of understanding and empathy that I believe was crucial in building strong relationships and fostering open communication."
Vaughn, a member of the 919th Special Operations Wing, Duke Field, Florida, was assigned as deployed Expeditionary Task Group Commander overseeing command and control operations of all Air Force special operations forces aircraft and personnel operating in the Caribbean and South American countries. His selection to lead the engagement reflects his deep ties to Ecuador, having lived in various parts of the country during his childhood.
The SMEE involved a multifaceted team assembled by Vaughn, comprised of an Intelligence Officer, Air Advisor, Special Mission Pilot, Public Affairs, and a 7th Special Forces Group (A) Operational Detachment Team providing critical integration assistance throughout the exchange. Over the course of four days, the Ecuadorian military also provided comprehensive briefings detailing their current capabilities and operational processes. The task group team provided tailored briefings on multiple topics on Joint Terminal Attack Controller support, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), strategic communications and operational planning and execution.
“This exchange demonstrated U.S and Ecuador’s commitment to strengthening partnerships,” said Vaughn. “By sharing our expertise in air-to-ground integration, we are better equipped to tackle the challenges posed by illicit actors along Ecuador's borders and in its maritime domain. This was a joint effort towards a shared goal.”
A cornerstone of the exchange was the formation of integrated teams, bringing together personnel from all branches of the Ecuadorian military with their U.S. counterparts. These teams participated in a realistic tabletop exercise that covered critical elements of air-to-ground integration. The exercise included operational planning scenarios, execution of close air support procedures, and the collaborative development of multiple courses of action designed to address threats in Ecuador's northern border and maritime domains. This hands-on approach directly enhanced interoperability and facilitated a deeper understanding of each branch’s operational capabilities.
The success of this Subject Matter Expert Exchange, spearheaded by Vaughn, underscored the vital role of international partnerships in addressing complex security challenges.
By fostering interoperability and sharing expertise in air-to-ground integration, the U.S. and Ecuador have significantly strengthened their collective ability to counter illicit actors and safeguard Ecuador’s borders and maritime domain, according to Vaughn.
“This initiative not only enhanced Ecuador's security but also reinforced a critical framework for continued cooperation and regional stability in the years ahead,” he said.