OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- In a move to deepen international cooperation, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations’ 5th Field Investigations Squadron and the Republic of Korea Air Force Investigative Agency (AFIA) held a joint forensic science exchange in South Korea, last year.
The event marked a key step forward in the longtime alliance, underscoring the value of interoperability, shared intelligence and coordinated investigative practices in an increasingly complex security environment.
“This exchange reflects our shared commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats,” said Special Agent Alan Johnson, commander of the 5th Field Investigations Squadron. “By working side by side with our Korean counterparts, we strengthen not only our capabilities, but the alliance itself.”
The exchange brought together forensic specialists from both nations to collaborate in areas such as photography, fingerprint analysis and digital forensics, and offered a forum to share investigative techniques, compare procedures and learn from each other’s strengths.
“Rooted in trust and shared purpose, the partnership reflects a broader effort to strengthen military readiness across the Indo-Pacific,” Johnson said.
“As global threats grow more complex, collaboration between allied investigative agencies have become vital to maintaining regional stability and strengthening national defense,” Johnson said.
“This partnership reflects exactly that,” he added. “By working together and sharing our expertise, we stay ahead of evolving threats. The subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) with AFIA is a testament to our commitment to cooperation and our shared pursuit of justice.”
In addition to advancing technical knowledge, the exchange helped reinforce professional standards and mission alignment between both nations.
“Maintaining investigative standards, developing agile capabilities and investing in the professionalism of our investigators are all key to building deterrence in the face of emerging threats,” Johnson said.
“In addition, the subject matter expert exchange also embodied the value of cultural understanding in operational environments. Participants engaged in open dialogue about their investigative procedures, legal frameworks and organizational structures, which strengthened not just technical collaboration, but also interpersonal rapport and regional trust,” Johnson said.
This collaboration aligns AFOSI within the Defense Department’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, to ensure the region remains free, open and secure through strong alliances and persistent presence.
“By deepening defense partnerships with like-minded nations such as the Republic of Korea, AFOSI continues to build a resilient foundation to deter aggression and uphold the rules-based order,” Johnson said.
Participants from both nations regarded the exchange as a success, highlighting improved interoperability, enhanced investigative skills and a deepened commitment to alliance cooperation.
As criminal networks and adversarial threats become increasingly transnational, enhancing lethality, readiness, and allied cooperation remains essential to preserving peace through strength.
By standing together, AFOSI and AFIA are not only improving their investigative effectiveness but also advancing the shared mission of defending liberty, pursuing justice, and preserving peace in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.
“Exchanges like this strengthen our posture across the Indo-Pacific,” said Col. James Merenda, AFOSI Region 6 commander. “They build trust, sharpen our edge and reinforce the alliances that deter aggression and preserve stability.”