Story and photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Hogan
U.S. Department of Defense Mass Communication Specialist December 1, 2023
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Carl Eitzen, right, assigned to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Band’s 5 Star Brass, shakes hands with Marinheiro Garcia Da Costa, assigned to the Angolan Armed Forces Band, during a performance at the Polytechnic Institute of Art in Kilamba, Angola, Nov. 9, 2023. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band’s tour to Angola embodies the U.S. Air Forces Africa’s dedication to strengthening cultural ties and enriching the partnerships between the U.S. and Angola through music. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hogan)
LUANDA, Angola — The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Band’s Five Star Brass toured through Angola in honor of Angolan National Day, Nov. 4-13.
The band partnered with the Angolan government as a way to celebrate the 48th anniversary of the nation’s independence, as well as using music to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Angola.
“We are always looking for ways to strengthen our relationships here in Angola and for the USAFE band to be a part of that is something special,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Adhima Miller, the Senior Defense Official and Defense Attache in Angola. “U.S. music is integrated throughout Angolan culture, so this was a unique opportunity for the Angolans to see American musicians perform and play with them.”
U.S. Airmen with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Band’s 5 Star Brass perform alongside students from the Polytechnic Institute of Art in Kilamba, Angola, Nov. 9, 2023. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band’s tour to Angola embodies the U.S. Air Forces Africa’s dedication to strengthening cultural ties and enriching the partnerships between the U.S. and Angola through music. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hogan)
During the tour, the band performed for a range of Angolan government officials, military personnel and members of the general public, including students at the Arts School Complex (CEARTE) Polytechnic Institute of Art in Kilamba, Angola.
“We had a great time performing for the students at the CEARTE academy. They were amazing. They played for us, we played for them and we played some things together at the end,” said Tech. Sgt. Libby Barnette, the NCO in charge of the USAFE-AFAFRICA Band’s Five Star Brass. “We really enjoy going out and building those relationships with individuals within the communities to help foster better overall relationships with a country.”
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dan Dyar, assigned to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Band’s 5 Star Brass, performs alongside students from the Polytechnic Institute of Art in Kilamba, Angola, Nov. 9, 2023. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band’s tour to Angola embodies the U.S. Air Forces Africa’s dedication to strengthening cultural ties and enriching the partnerships between the U.S. and Angola through music. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hogan)
The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band is comprised of 45 active-duty Air Force musicians, committed to fortifying international relationships, enhancing troop morale and fostering trust and friendship between the United States and the diverse populations across the European and African continents. Through numerous radio and television broadcasts, and over 300 annual live performances, the USAFE-AFAFRICA Band brings America’s musical heritage and Air Force excellence to millions around the globe.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Clare Hogan, assigned to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Band’s 5 Star Brass, plays the trumpet during a performance for students at the Polytechnic Institute of Art in Kilamba, Angola, Nov. 9, 2023. The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band’s tour to Angola embodies the U.S. Air Forces Africa’s dedication to strengthening cultural ties and enriching the partnerships between the U.S. and Angola through music. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hogan)
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