Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Forward Operating Location Manta closes

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- American military officials here donated almost $1 million worth of equipment, food and supplies to local establishments as operations at Forward Operating Location Manta, Ecuador, came to an end Sept. 18.

The closing marks the end of a 10-year lease agreement between the United States and Ecuador.

Located at the Ecuadorian Air Force Base Eloy Alfaro, FOL Manta has been a well-defined part of a multinational partnership to stop illegal narcotic trafficking over the eastern Pacific Ocean. Missions flown by the 487th EOS included aerial detection, monitoring, tracking and control of narcotic activities. The partnership forged between the United States and Ecuador will continue even after the lease expires.