WHENUAPAI AIR BASE, New Zealand -- A C-17 Globemaster III crew of 14 from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived March 18 at Royal New Zealand Air Force, Whenuapai Air Base for the 2009 Whenuapai Air Show.

This is the first time since 1981 that a U. S. asset will be participating in the yearly event, which began March 21, said U. S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence Quevedo, U.S. Defense Attaché' Office operations coordinator.

The C-17 is part of the 517th Airlift Squadron, 3rd Wing at Elmendorf .

"We're happy to have the opportunity to participate in the show," said Capt. Brett Lent, C-17 demonstration team pilot.

Upon their arrival, the team was welcomed by Group Captain Edward Poot.

"It's a neat privilege for us to see what a C-17 can do," said Group Captain Poot. "We're happy that you're here."

Group Captain Poot said he expects between 30,000 and 50,000 people at the Air Show. 

Other foreign participation in the air show includes two Royal Australian Air Force F-18 jets. Static displays include a French Air Force Casa CN-235, an RAAF C-130J and an Australian Border Protection Dash 8 Maritime Border Patrol aircraft.

Participation of the C-17 in this event enhances bilateral relations between New Zealand and the United States, which already have been working together for fifty years in the Antarctic studying sedimentary core samples.