U.S. begins aerial demonstrations during Singapore air show

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
CHANGI, Singapore --  The international trade show here concluded Friday as aerial demonstrations begin for a crowd of approximately 12,000 spectators during the Singapore Airshow 2010 scheduled through Feb. 7.

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.

"U.S. participation in the Singapore Trade Show is important because it helps us build partner capacity, a key strategic goal of the United States and the Department of Defense," said Vice Adm. Jeffrey Wieringa, Defense Security Cooperation Agency director at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. "In this way, we are able to foster interoperability and, by extension, support to the U.S. industrial base."

At Singapore Airshow 2010, the U.S. military had a number of aircraft and equipment on display to include: 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, Repblic of 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, are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the event.

The A-10 East Demonstration Team from Moody AFB, Ga., will also make an appearance. This is the first time that the A-10 Thunderbolt II has participated in a Singapore air show.

During the trade show, Admiral Wieringa stopped by to thank Airmen and Sailors who are leading the way in the U.S. military's participation in Asia's largest trade and air show.

"Your actions are important to our national security and assist with our foreign policy objectives," said Admiral Wieringa. "Unit level participation in international trade shows is very important. Because in the end, it's not about selling equipment, it's about building relationships. You are part of that effort and success. Please accept my most personal thanks for a job well done."

Bruce Lemkin, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., who also stopped by to visit Airmen said, "We get to show lots of other folks our great Airmen." "Yes, our aircraft are impressive, but our Airmen are even more impressive."

The air show is scheduled to open to the public Feb. 6 - 7.

Thirteenth Air Force at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam is leading the U.S. military participation in Singapore Airshow 2010.