What Happened
New State Partnership Program Expands US Africa Command Reach
The Ohio National Guard has launched a new partnership with Angola through the State Partnership Program, a US Department of War security cooperation initiative. The partnership aims to develop mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on shared security challenges and opportunities for greater cooperation. The Ohio delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, met with Angolan defense leaders and US diplomats during their inaugural visit to Angola, which coincided with the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference. The partnership is expected to include exchanges in areas such as aviation, engineering, and sustainment, and may create opportunities for Ohio National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to train in environments not readily available in the US. This development was first reported by an unknown source.