Static displays provide up close look at America

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Charles Ramey
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
CHANGI NORTH, Singapore --  Fifteen minutes of fame. It's something many hope for in their lifetimes, but for U.S. military members participating in the 2008 Singapore Air Show Feb. 19-24, the wait is over. Whether flying an air demonstration or manning a static display, Airmen and Sailors were the stars of the show as they represented the United States in front of crowds of show goers.

A cross-section of U.S. military aircraft and equipment were on static display to include F-15C, F-16CJ and F/A-18F fighters, a WC-130J weather reconnaissance aircraft, KC-135 Stratotanker and B-1B bomber. In addition, Pacific Air Force's F-16 demonstration team and a Pacific Fleet F/A-18F Super Hornet demonstration performed daily.

"This is incredible experience," said Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Jeff Stack, a WC-130J loadmaster with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, Biloxi Miss. "We had an opportunity to meet a lot of people from different countries and show what we do. One day we were visited by members from India who may be flying the WC-130 and it was great to network and show them the aircraft."

Close by, Capt. Pat Pulaski a KC-135 pilot and other members of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, showed visitors the KC-135. "This air show is huge and it's a great privilege to bring the KC-135 out to an international air show. The people and hospitality have been great."

In addition to the KC-135, Kadena also has two F-15Cs from the 44th Fighter Squadron on display. "It's a great opportunity for the Air Force to be here and further our relationship with Singapore," said Pilot Capt. Andy Rule as he walked visitors around his aircraft. "The people here are very nice, welcomed us and taken great care of us throughout the show."

Next to the F-15s, the U.S. Navy displayed its newest fighter--an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 102, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. "It's great to see all the interest in our aircraft when we come out to these shows," said Lt. George Zintak, an F/A-18F weapons system officer. "I've had a great time and I'm glad I got the opportunity to come out here and do this."

A highlight of the Singapore Air Show was the B-1 bomber from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Aircrews flew a nonstop 21-hour mission to participate in the show.

"It's an honor to bring the B-1 here and be part of this event," said Col. Pete Castor, vice commander of the 28th Bomb Wing. "From my level, it's also great to see the camaraderie between our operations and maintenance personnel. The maintainers are completely involved giving briefings and answering questions. They're the ones who keep these aircraft flying and it's nice to see them get the recognition they deserve."

For air show visitors, the experience was just as rewarding--especially during public air show days Feb. 23-24.

"This our first time seeing these types of aircraft so closely," said air show visitor Akash Sharma as he and his 3-year-old son Archit walked around an F-15 Feb. 23. "When the planes are in sky they look so small, but when you get a chance to see them up close you see that they are powerful machines."

Through participation in international air and trade shows and other regional events, the United States demonstrates its commitment to the security of the Asia-Pacific region, promotes standardization and interoperability of equipment, and displays capabilities critical to the success of current and future military operations.