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DUBAI - American air power is currently on display at the 2015 Dubai Air Show which runs from Nov. 8-12, 2015 here.
The Dubai Air Show is considered to be the premier aviation and air industry event in the Middle East region. The U.S. military has supported the air show since 2003 and this year approximately 150 U.S. military members are participating in the event by providing aircraft, force protection, logistics, and maintenance support for the aircraft.
“It is tremendous to see all of the Department of Defense services come together to represent the United States at an event with such a large and diverse reach,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., commander U.S. Air Forces Central Command. “Collectively, our presence here showcases the unique capabilities that each service brings to the fight as well as our continued support and dedication to the United Arab Emirates and all of our allies in the region.”
The U.S. supported the DAS with a total of 10 aircraft to include eight static displays and B-1 Lancer and F-22 Raptor aerial demonstrations.
U.S. Navy LT. Jeff Spencer, MH-53 Sea Dragon pilot, said participation in the event helps strengthen relationships with allied nations.
“The airshow displays our cooperation and support to all of our allies, not only in the region, but globally as well,” said Spencer. “It is also a great way to publicize the Navy presence and our capabilities in the region.”
While members of the Navy were showing off their Sea Dragon, P-8 Poseidon, and MH-60 Seahawk aircraft, members of the Army were displaying one of their CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
Sgt. 1st Class Brian Deetman, CH-47 flight engineer, said there is a big international interest in the capabilities of the Chinook.
“The Chinook is a great airframe for quick-turn resupply missions,” said Deetman. “In theater, our primary mission is to move troops and gear from forward operating base to forward operating base. It is an imperative mission to be able to move food, water, and people and it is definitely a mission in which our global partners are interested.”
While all of the U.S. assets were visited by show attendees, one of the more popularly visited aircraft was the MV-22 Osprey of the Marine Corps.
“We are unique to the show,” Sgt. Dan Leneghan, MV-22 maintenance controller. “Along with the Air Force, we are the only U.S. services that provide tilt-rotor capabilities so there is a lot of interest in what we bring to the fight. “Together we all showcase the unique capabilities the U.S. can provide through all of the different airframes.”
Although the Marines had one of the more popular static displays, the Air Force had possibly the most favorited aerial demonstration in the F-22 Raptor.
“The F-22 is just an amazing display of air power,” said Senior Airman Alexander Burges Ortiz, C-130J crew chief. “Overall, our participation in the airshow gives everyone a good look at our diverse capabilities and roles. Ultimately we are here to show support for the UAE and our partners.”
Brown said supporting the airshow provides opportunity to strengthen our military to military relationships with regional partners.
“Our U.S. military personnel display and demonstrate how equipment can be employed, which helps allied and partner nations evaluate how U.S. assets can meet their security needs,” said Brown. “The use of similar equipment by nations in the region facilitates interoperability, which can be exercised in theater cooperation events, such as exercises and training throughout the year.”
Throughout the course of the event, this year’s show is expected to attract more than 1,100 exhibitors from 60 countries and 65,000 trade visitors. For more information, go to the DAS website at: http://www.dubaiairshow.aero/
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.12.2015 05:00 |
| Story ID: | 181735 |
| Location: | DUBAI, AE |
| Web Views: | 490 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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