U.S. participates in Australian airshow Published March 22, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Brendan Vargas AFN-Yokota AVALON AIRPORT, Victoria, Australia -- With a cut of a ribbon Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Paul V. Hester officially helped open the U.S. exposition at the 2007 Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport in Southern Australia. During this 6 day event, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines will be on display for an audience of Australian and Pacific regional defense force leaders, government officials and the public attending the largest air show in the country. "Our participation at this airshow is a sign of the commitment we have towards Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force," said Bruce Lemkin the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs. Along with indoor displays highlighting the capabilities and the history of the air force, aircraft from several bases in U.S. Pacific Command are on display. F-16s from Misawa Air Base, Japan; F-15s and an E-3 from Kadena Air Base, Japan; as well as a C-17 from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii and F-18s from Carrier Air Wing-5, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, were brought in to the event as a symbol of America's air power in the Pacific. U.S. Air Force leaders like Pacific Air Forces Command Chief, Chief Master Sergeant Anthony Bishop say that the event is a great chance to highlight our operational abilities. "I want the other nations in this part of the world to see our great Airmen and see what they do each and every day," Chief Bishop said during his visit to the Air Force contingent on the Avalon Airport flightline. With 200,000 people expected to attend the show, Chief Bishop's wish will be one that will more than likely happen.