BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colorado -- Leaders from the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command and the Philippine Air Force Reserve Command met recently at a U.S. Space Force installation to discuss expanding bilateral collaboration and joint training exercises.

Lt. Gen. John Healy, commander of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, hosted a Philippine delegation led by Col. Michael Romero.

The meeting marked a historic first visit by the Philippine Air Force-Air Force Reserve Command (PAF-AFRC) to the facility.

Discussions focused on increasing joint reserve training, professional military exchanges, and institutional cooperation. Both sides emphasized the need to improve interoperability and strengthen the readiness of their respective reserve components.

During the exchange, Healy presented Romero with his personal commander’s badge, a gesture symbolizing the partnership between the two nations.

Romero, who serves as the wing commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve-Northern Luzon and chairs the Association of Reservists of the Philippines Inc., has been a key figure in the Philippine Air Force modernization program. His efforts include supporting the acquisition of three C-130J aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for this year and 2027.

The visit was initiated by Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, commanding general of the Philippine Air Force, as part of an effort to broaden bilateral reserve engagements.

The Philippine delegation also included Col. Floreto Solano, acting wing commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve-Southern Luzon and Lt. Col. Paulino Lomoljo, director for personnel of the Air Force Reserve Command.

Moving forward, Maj. Gen. Ronie Petinglay, commander of the PAFRC, will lead continued coordination with U.S. counterparts to implement new joint training programs and share operational best practices.