PACAF demonstrates air power in Brunei for the first time

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BRUNEI DARUSSALAM --  Demonstration teams from Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, performed at the Brunei Darussalam International Defense Exhibition 2011, July 6-9. This marks the first time the U.S. Air Force and Pacific Air Forces have participated in BRIDEX.

Capt. Chris Nations, a PACAF Aerial Demonstration Team pilot based at Misawa, performed daily aerial demonstrations during the air show. The demonstration also included a ground show performed by the PACAF Demonstration Team and a static display of the F-16 Fighting Falcons.

"With this and every air show, we deploy and fly F-16 aerial demonstrations with the highest level of professionalism and safety," Capt. Nations said. "We reinforce public trust in the United States as well as its aircraft and personnel."

A PACAF C-17 Globemaster III also performed during the exhibition and opened the aircraft to the public as a static display.

"We are honored and excited to be a part of BRIDEX 2011 especially during the 50th anniversary of the Brunei Defense Force," said Maj. Mike Pasquino, 15th Wing C-17 pilot. "It has been an outstanding opportunity to work with our Pacific partners."

Several members of the Brunei Royal family also visited the teams during the static display portion of the exhibition.

Approximately 30 countries participated in this year's exhibition which has steadily increased since the first BRIDEX in 2007.

BRIDEX 2011 coincides with the Golden 50th Anniversary of Royal Brunei Armed Forces and drew more than 160 exhibitors, 150 international delegates and 18,000 visitors.