News>U.S. participates in South African Exposition
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Air National Guard Col. Tom McEntee, 105th Operations Group commander from Stewart ANG Base in Newburgh, N.Y., high-fives a little boy after touring a C-17 Globemaster III during the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included more than 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. Event coordinators said this was the largest air show in this area in the last five years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
Marine Corps Cpl. Robert North, Marine Aerial Refueling Transport Squadron 252 KC-130 electric shop collateral duty inspector from Cherry Point N.C., welcomes air show attendents onto a C-130J Super Hercules during the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included more than 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. Event coordinators said this was the largest air show in this area in the last five years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III from the 137th Airlift Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard base in Newburgh, N.Y., sits open for the public to tour during the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included more than 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. Event coordinators said this was the largest air show in this area in the last five years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
Army Sgt. David Bardo, B Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry stryker crew member from Cambridge Springs, PA., explains how the M-1126 Stryker armored vehicle is utilized to Leon Anderson and Lydia Mow, both air show attendees, during the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. The South African and U.S. Air Forces have a long-lasting relationship that was highlighted by the partnership and cooperation between the nations during the event. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included over 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jason Cale, U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band lead guitarist and singer, performs for attendents of the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included more than 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. Event coordinators said this was the largest air show in this area in the last five years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Jarrit White, 191st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief from Selfridge Mich., speaks to children during a tour of a KC- 135T Stratotanker during the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included more than 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. Event coordinators said this was the largest air show in this area in the last five years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
Air Force Capt. Brian Cooper, 818th Contingency Response Group crew-commander, answers questions about the U.S. military and points out a variety of aircraft to the MTimbane family during the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included more than 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. Event coordinators said this was the largest air show in this area in the last five years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)
by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart
U.S. Air Force Africa Public Affairs
9/24/2012 - WATERKLOOF AFB, South Africa -- More than 130 U.S. military members were invited to demonstrate the air and ground capabilities of American forces as they partnered with the South African air force during the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22-23.
"This was a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. military to come work with our South African partners, demonstrate some of our capabilities, observe theirs and strengthen the relationship between our countries," said Col. Robert Huston, mission commander for U.S. participation in the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition.
The South African and U.S. Air Forces have a long-lasting relationship that was highlighted by the partnership and cooperation between the nations during the event.
"The American military, being able to see our aircraft here, was worthwhile because the U.S. invests time and money into our pilots' training," said Lt. Col. Gerry J. Engelbrecht, 28th Squadron C-130BZ pilot and instructor. "When you watch our pilots fly, it is easy to see that the investment is being put to good use."
The South African government also recognized this investment in their country and arranged for U.S. service members to participate in the Youth Development Program which aims to inspire a new generation of aviators.
According to event coordinators 3,000 children participated in the YDP over the weekend and more than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included over 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft.
The U.S. military static displays included an Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III from the 137th Airlift Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard base in Newburgh, N.Y.; a KC- 135T Stratotanker from171st Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Mount Clemens, Mich.; and a C-130J Super Hercules from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Cherry Point N.C. Ground vehicles included a M-1117 Armored Security Vehicle from the 442nd Military Police Company in Queens, N.Y.; and an M-1126 Stryker Armored fighter vehicle from B Co. 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry in Cambridge Springs, PA.
"My favorite thing at the show is the Globemaster III because I've only seen them flying," said Cameron, 9, "I've never been able to climb in them and I've never seen them on the ground."
The air show offered entertainment for everyone, whether they were young or young at heart.
"The show was very enjoyable," said Zinda Ntembeko, air show attendee. "This is the best air show in the area."
The exposition typically takes place every two years, but due to past runway renovations, event coordinators say this is the largest air show in this area within the last five years.
"The crowds loved seeing the bigger aircraft, taking photos with the U.S. military members and listening to the band," said Engelbrecht.
The U.S. Air Forces in Europe band, Touch 'N Go, performed four shows during the show days as well as three performances in communities across South Africa.
"I'm looking forward to the next time the American Air Forces comes," said Cameron.
Comments
9/25/2012 5:24:48 PM ET Hi there Angie here I want to know the name of one gentleman working in the maintenance department he was at the Waterkloof Air Show has blonde hair and blue eyes age 27 lives in Michigan Urgently please let me know asap Thank you
Angie, pretoria South Africa
9/25/2012 7:53:40 AM ET Hi ThereI would like to know the name of the U.S air force gentleman with the black hair posted in some of your photos on the site from the Waterkloof airshow this weekend pretty please
