U.S. builds ties at Singapore air show

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
CHANGI, Singapore --  Dubbed "Too Hot To Miss," Asia's largest air show and one of the top three aerospace and defense exhibitions in the world started here Feb 2.

Aircraft from the United States will participate in both static displays and aerial demonstrations at Singapore Airshow 2010 to exhibit a snapshot of the diverse inventory of U.S. military aircraft and equipment. 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.

"We are excited to be here and to be a part of the air show," said Col. Stephen Hart, 13th Air Force deputy director of plans, programs and requirements at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and the mission commander for the air show. "This is an ideal forum to showcase U.S. defense aircraft and equipment, [and] ultimately contribute to interoperability with other countries."

The U.S. military is part of the 800 exhibitors from more than 40 countries at the event, which is held every two years. U.S. military aircraft and equipment in the show includes two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, South 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, are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the event.

The first four days of the air show are open to trade guests only, while the last two days are open to the public. So far, more than 12,000 visitors are scheduled to be here when the show opens to the public.

"Being the first major air show taking place at the beginning of the year, it will enable the entire industry to feel the pulse and set the tone for what we can expect for the year ahead," said Jimmy Lau, managing director of Singapore Airshow and Events.

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