U.S. servicemembers build relationships during Avalon Air Show

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson
AVALON, Australia --  Servicemembers returned home to United States recently after showcasing U.S. airpower to more than 350,000 spectators during the Australian International Airshow, one of the largest trade and air shows in the Pacific, held here Feb. 26 through March 3.

U.S. aerial demonstration events and aircraft static displays were one of the main attractions at the Avalon airshow that captured the attention of aviation spectators from countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, but the U.S. used the event as opportunity to forge relationships in the region.

"Everybody calls [Avalon] an air show, but it's certainly much more than that," said Col. Steve Kornitzer, Pacific Air Forces international affairs division chief. "At an airshow, we focus on entertaining the public, but with this event, it's more of an engagement that promotes strong military-to-military ties with our Australian allies and friends.

According to Kornitzer, the international event is an opportunity for key leaders, like Gen. Herbert Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, to interact with one another, work on interoperability and show their commitment to the South Pacific region. Additionally, U.S. participation in Avalon furthers defense purchase and supply relationships with Australia and demonstrates U.S. commitment to Australia as a regional ally.

Queensland Senator Mark Furner agrees that Avalon was primarily designed to build relationships with partner nations in the region.

"By doing this, by being here, we're demonstrating that [our] relationships are one of trust and friendship," said Furner.

However, these relationships are made at every level from senior leaders to pilots and aircrew. According to Kornitzer, having air crew from different countries come together makes for a better, stronger, future in international relationships.

"There are captains and aircraft commanders out there who will, one day, be future leaders of their respective Air Force," said Kornitzer. "Forming friendships now could be very useful in the future."

The key message, according to Air Vice Marshal Leo Davis, Royal Australian Air Force Deputy Chief of Air Force, is "we can't do it alone."

"We've seen that Mother Nature can be quite demanding. New Zealand, Japan and Indonesia all needed help," Davis said. "It was together, as an international community, we help them." It is during these times the aid of allies is very much needed."

A cross-section of U.S. aircraft participated in aerial events and statics displays during the airshow including: the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors, C-17 Globemaster III, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-52 Stratofortress, and KC-135 Statotakner, were a part of the international airshow. Additionally, more than 100 U.S. military and Department of Defense personnel supported the airshow.

U.S. Pacific Command has supported the Australian International Airshow and other regional air and trade shows since 2001 as a demonstration of the United States' commitment to the stability and security of the Asia-Pacific region. U.S. participation in these events further promotes the standardization and interoperability of equipment, and display capabilities critical to the success of military operations. It also serves to strengthen long-standing mil-to-mil relations between the U.S. and Australia.