Aussies are good mates

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Cohen A. Young
  • Defense Media Activity
GEELONG, Australia --  The United States Ambassador to Australia enjoyed the early stages of bi-annual Avalon 2011 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition here March 2.

Ambassador Jeffrey L. Bleich, took time out to view the early portion of the airshow, which is located just outside of Melbourne.

The airshow is one of the largest air and trade shows in the world and serves as an opportunity for U.S and senior military officials to engage with their Australian counterparts, and ultimately contribute toward interoperability between the forces. This year's event also celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Although Ambassador Bleich's time at the Avalon Airshow is limited, he planned to make the most of it.

"I plan to stay here all day and visit as much as possible tomorrow morning," said Ambassador Bleich. "I wish I could stay all week."

The ambassador is the 24th U.S. Ambassador to Australia and said he has enjoyed the job immensely since he started in November 2009.

"We have no better friend in the world than Australia," said Ambassador Bleich. "It's not just an aligned strategic interest, a strong economic partnership or even a strong cultural connection; it's that we are really just good mates and we like each other and as American Ambassador, I couldn't have a better group of partners to work with."

The U.S. military works very closely in so many different facets through joint exercises and various exchange programs, which strengthen the two countries' abilities and capabilities.

"If it weren't for our overall interoperability with Australia and the fact that we have exchange programs that aid us knowing each other's techniques, equipment and each other as people, we wouldn't nearly have the ability to punch our way together as we do, said the ambassador. "The exchange programs are critical and we love seeing
Australian forces serving with Americans and we love seeing American forces serving here with Australian forces as well."

Although the Ambassador enjoyed the sights and sounds of the F-16, the Superhornet and the C-17 Globemaster, he said the highlight was visiting with the military that were participating in the event.

"I love watching the planes, but the best part about coming here is the opportunity I get to thank our brave men and women for their service is what I enjoy the most -- it's reassuring for me as an American to see the professionalism and the commitment of our Airmen," he said.

The U.S. and Australian alliance spans more than 60 years and events like AIA go a long way in maintaining a partnership in advancing peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific Region and globally in the years ahead.