Operations at Forward Operating Location Manta, Ecuador, came to an end Sept. 18, as the nation's left-wing government refused to renew the lease.
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. About 60% of all drug shipments intercepted in the eastern Pacific had been identified through flights out of Manta.
Counterdrug flights will now be conducted from forward operating locations in Colombia.
Despite the eviction by Ecuador's government, US forces remain optimistic about future cooperation with that nation's military. American military officials donated almost $1 million worth of equipment, food and supplies to local establishments near Manta.
Among the donated items were five vehicles, an ambulance, a runway sweeper, office and medical supplies, and tools. More than 30 organizations received donations including six schools, seven fire departments, two outreach programs, two orphanages, four hospitals and three soup kitchens.
The support for FOL Manta and other communities in Manabi Province is nothing new for U.S. servicemembers.
Unit members carried out an intensive community relations program since it opened in 1999. In an average year, troops volunteered for 200 events and donated more than 4,000 hours and 15,000 items. Just last year, nonprofit organizations in the country received $30,000 in donations from the U.S. Embassy as well.
"We appreciate the goodwill shown by our Ecuadorian hosts over that past 10 years," Colonel Jared Curtis, commander of the 478th Expeditionary Operations Squadron which had been flying out of Manta, said. "Their support was key to our success."
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