U.S. Airmen, aircraft wrap up 2014 Singapore air show

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tamara Fischer-Carter
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
SINGAPORE --  U.S. Air Force Airmen and aircraft brought smiles to many as part of the Singapore International Airshow, one of the largest air and trade shows in the Asia-Pacific region, held Feb. 11 through 16, at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

Held every two years, the Singapore Airshow focused on building stronger relations between Singapore and other international communities including the U.S. This year, the U.S. was the inaugural "Feature Country" and had its largest presence yet, demonstrating the United States' focus on regional security and stability and support to the rebalance to the Pacific.

"We are honored to participate in this year's Singapore International Airshow as it demonstrates our commitment to our partners and allies while furthering mutual training and cooperation between our military forces," said Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of the Pacific Air Forces located at Joint base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

"We wanted a good cross section of airpower so we brought a variety of U.S. military aircraft and equipment for static display. We also performed aerial demonstrations, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, MV-22 Osprey, KC-130J Hercules, P-8 Poseidon, and C-17 Globemaster III," said Col. Marc Caudill, U.S. forces mission commander for the air show. According to Caudill, Pacific Air Forces' participation in international air shows and exercises demonstrates its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

"It is important not only to highlight the aircrew, aircraft and capabilities but the more we work together, the better we make our relationship," he said. "(Our Airmen's) involvement as ambassadors this week added a new dimension to our PACAF engagement strategy both at the air show and numerous venues around Singapore."

The large U.S. presence at this year's airshow provides the opportunity to promote interoperability and displays the flexible combat capabilities of the U.S. military, Caudill said.

"The airshow has been an extraordinary cohesion of aircraft and Airmen projecting an enduring message of peace, security and friendship across Asia-Pacific," he said. "We were able to demonstrate our vast array of combat capabilities here while celebrating with Singapore - their 45th Anniversary of their Air Force. It's not just about the air show but it's about fostering the relationships."