MASTER Sgt. Stanley Iakopo has completed training at the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School in Florida.
Iakopo, who spent five years with the Indo-Pacific Command Special Operations Command Pacific and was transferred to the 44th Aerial Port Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, is currently assigned to the 36th Wing Headquarters Plans, Programs, and Readiness Program.
He said the USAFSOS prepares special operations airmen to successfully plan, organize, and execute global special operations by providing indoctrination and education for Air Force Special Operations Command, other U.S. Special Operations Command components, and joint/interagency/ coalition partners.
He said the focus of the course was China-Taiwan-U.S. relations, including INDOPACOM, U.S. national strategy, China’s domains of war in relation to Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as its influence throughout the Pacific.
“This course gave me a more encyclopedic knowledge on how critical national and international foreign policies are, and how they can impact the CNMI directly and indirectly especially with our vulnerable geographical location in the region,” said Iakopo, a former NMI Veterans Affairs executive officer.
“We delved in on understanding China’s global policies including its economic and military development in the Pacific and the South China Sea,” he added.
He said the training also provided a better understanding of the U.S. strategic counter measures that include enhancing military capabilities and strategic resiliency in the Pacific.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Stanley Iakopo, center, with U.S. Air Force Special Operations School course directors Maj. Darielle Santos, right, and Maj. Carlos Montances, left, at the USAFSOS in Florida.
