U.S. Air Force air advisers from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron recently completed in San José, a training engagement with Costa Rica’s Aerial Surveillance Service (SVA), the U.S. Embassy announced.

The training was conducted under the U.S. Southern Command Theater Maintenance Partnership Initiative program. It was designed to strengthen Costa Rica’s aviation maintenance, flight safety, logistics, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, and base defense capabilities, according to a report published by Diálogo Americas.

Maintenance and logistics advisers from the squadron worked alongside SVA technicians to improve technical data usage, tool control procedures, hazardous material management, parts tracking, procurement processes and equipment inspection practices.

The team also worked with SVA leadership to enhance coordination with contracted maintenance providers to ensure the safe sustainment of Costa Rica’s fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft fleets, the report said.

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At the same time, flight safety instructors delivered training on U.S. Air Force safety culture, risk management and standardized crew briefing practices. Together with U.S. advisers, SVA pilots developed a new operational risk management worksheet tailored to their daily mission profile. The report said SVA flight crews plan to adopt the worksheet as part of routine mission planning and safety decision-making.

An ISR specialist from the 137th Special Operations Wing also provided instruction on mission planning, sensor employment and target identification.

Logistics advisers reinforced best practices for warehouse organization and hazardous material storage. Security forces advisers led scenario-based discussions to strengthen base defense and gate security procedures.

According to the report, the engagement lays the groundwork for future aircrew integration, as U.S. air advisers and SVA pilots prepare to fly together during a future training event.

Beyond operational activities, MSAS personnel met with students from a local school and organized a friendly soccer match with SVA personnel to reinforce the partnership outside the airfield.

The mission underscores continued U.S. support for Costa Rica and reflects U.S. Southern Command’s commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation through the Theater Maintenance Partnership Initiative, the report said.

Since 2018, the U.S. Department of State has provided more than $269 million in bilateral and regional security assistance to Costa Rica, according to the U.S. Embassy’s website. The assistance includes equipment, training and technical expertise aimed at strengthening law enforcement, combating organized crime and improving the justice system’s capacity to prosecute transnational criminal groups.

Under the bilateral Security Joint Cooperation Treaty, in January, the U.S. helicopters operating through the U.S. Embassy’s aerial support program, in coordination with the SVA, recently transported election officials and voting materials to remote areas ahead of Costa Rica’s presidential election.

Recently, a joint operation led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Costa Rican authorities resulted in the seizure of about 3 tons of marijuana and the arrest of three suspects off the country’s Pacific coast.

In a related development, U.S. Ambassador Melinda Hildebrand formally assumed her duties in January after presenting her credentials to President Rodrigo Chaves.

The Aerial Surveillance Service (SVA) is the country’s civilian aviation branch under the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) and operates as a nonmilitary air force. It provides aerial support for police operations, counterdrug efforts, humanitarian missions, and security at domestic and international airports.

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