Thousands witness U.S. participation in Singapore air show

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
CHANGI, Singapore --  A crowd of more than 71,000 Singaporeans watched in amazement as aircraft from the United States, Singapore and several other countries soared across the skies of the Changi Exhibition Center here during Singapore Airshow 2010, Feb. 7.

Singapore Airshow 2010 is the largest air show in Asia and one of the top three aerospace and defense exhibitions in the world. Aircraft from the United States participated in both static displays and aerial demonstrations to exhibit a snapshot of the diverse inventory of U.S. military aircraft and equipment.

"My husband, son, and I traveled a great distance to see the air show," said one visitor. "We were very impressed and are taking away a lot of good memories."

The feeling was mutual for U.S military personnel participating in the air show.

"I like the interaction with the crowd. Getting to meet all sorts of people from all over the country makes my job special," said Capt. Johnnie Green, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot from the 23rd Fighter Group at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. "Some of the people I meet are interested in the Air Force, some just like air shows, but everyone is interested in aviation, and so am I, so it makes it easy."

U.S. Pacific Command's participation in the six-day air show directly supports U.S. engagement goals and furthers U.S. relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. military aircraft and equipment that participated in the show includes: two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea; one C-130J Hercules from the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock AFB, Ark.; one KC-135 Stratotanker from the 18th Wing at Kadena AB, Japan; two F-15E Strike Eagles currently deployed to Kunsan AB, South Korea; and one P-3C Orion from Patrol Squadron Four Seven at Kadena.

Additionally, one B-52 Stratofortress currently deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, and one C-17 Globemaster III from the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, conducted flyovers at the event.

In addition to the aerial demonstrations performed for more than 71,000 people, an international trade show was held here where the United States and more than 40 other countries participated in the trade show. The show was conducted at the Changi Exhibition Center here where the newest in aviation technology was showcased, offering participants the opportunity to meet leaders in military and civil aviation, as well as to exchange thought-innovations with partners in the Asia-Pacific Region.

"This is an amazing show to be a part of; it's my first international show and to be here with other experienced pilots from around the world is an incredible opportunity," said Captain Green. "There is a lot of new technology on display here and it's very exciting to see it firsthand."

The United States' participation in Singapore Airshow 2010 was important because it helps maintain partnerships with countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, said Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs, Bruce Lemkin.

"Our relationships with foreign air forces and foreign countries is absolutely critical for us to carry out our mission and we can't do this alone -- we need friends and partners to help out," said Under Secretary Lemkin.

Thirteenth Air Force at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam lead the U.S. military's participation in Singapore Airshow 2010.