Reservists participate in Africa's largest air expo

By 2nd Lt. Joe Simms, 315th Airlift Wing, Charleston AFBSeptember 30, 2010

South African helicopters
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A pair of South African helicopters prepare to land during a demonstration at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, Cape Town, South Africa Sept 22. The event is Africa's premier aerospace, general aviation, defense and security expo that includes a world clas... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
New York Air National Guard
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A New York Air National Guard Pararescueman (PJ) from the 103rd Rescue Squadron out of Suffolk County, lands during a demonstration at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, Cape Town, South Africa Sept 22. More than 70 members of the New York Army and Air Nati... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Air Force Base Ysterplaat
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A formation of South African aircraft performs a demonstration flight over Air Force Base Ysterplaat, Cape Town, South Africa Sept 22. U.S Forces are participating with other military forces from across the world during the Africa Aerospace & Defence... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, New York National Guard director of joint staff, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Teichner, (front left) an aviator with Det. 1 A Co 1-224 Aviation Security and Support Battalion, fly in an OH-58 Kiowa Sept 22, at Air Force...
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, New York National Guard director of joint staff, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Teichner, (front left) an aviator with Det. 1 A Co 1-224 Aviation Security and Support Battalion, fly in an OH-58 Kiowa Sept 22, at Air Force... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
The New York National Guard Director of Joint Staff Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Teichner (front) an aviator with Det. 1 A Co 1-224 Aviation Security and Support Battalion perform a demonstration flight in an OH-58 Kiowa...
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The New York National Guard Director of Joint Staff Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Teichner (front) an aviator with Det. 1 A Co 1-224 Aviation Security and Support Battalion perform a demonstration flight in an OH-58 Kiowa... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
A C-130J
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A C-130J with the 143rd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guard located at Quonset Point, Rhode Island takes off at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, Cape Town, South Africa, Sept 22. The 143d will be working together with other military forces at Ai... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- More than 150 aircrew and personnel from the U.S Air Force and Army took part in the Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) 2010 exhibition held at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, Cape Town, South Africa last week to build on an ongoing partnership between the U.S. military and South Africa National Defense Forces.

AAD2010 is one of the premier events of its type in the world, and U.S. military participation aims to enhance cooperation and standardization with South African partners.

AAD2010 has given U.S. military leaders a chance to meet other air chiefs from across the globe and showcase a variety of equipment, said Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward, 17th Air Force Commander from Ramstein Air Base Germany who led U.S. Department of Defense representation at the event.

Aca,!A"This has been a terrific event in that itAca,!a,,cs raised the partnership level between the United States and the South African National Defence Forces,Aca,!A? said Woodward.

Aca,!A"...We really appreciate the South African leadership in bringing together so many different countries to this multi-lateral event. ItAca,!a,,cs given us...the opportunity to meet with so many different air chiefs from around the continent, so not only are we able to work to build upon our South African relationship, but in addition, relationships with air chiefs from all around the continent.Aca,!A?

During the exhibition, U.S. forces conducted aerial demonstrations and displayed various military aircraft and ground vehicles from bases in the U.S. to include a C-130J Hercules, a C-17 Globemaster III, HH-60 Pave Hawk and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters.

Aca,!A"WeAca,!a,,cre very proud to showcase our U.S. Air Force aircraft and the incredible airmen who make it come together,Aca,!A" Woodward said. Aca,!A"The attention the C-17 and C-130J have received is a spectacular example of what the U.S. Air Force has to offer.Aca,!A?

The AAD exhibition is the largest display of defense-related air, land and sea capabilities on the African continent, attracting the most advanced technologies from around the world, and it serves as a major platform for South AfricaAca,!a,,cs defense industry and other international visitors to showcase their best technology and innovations, according to Maj. Gen. Hugh Paine, South African Air Force chief of force preparation. More than 300 exhibitors from 31 countries displayed their products to more than 17,000 trade visitors and 30,000 public spectators at this yearAca,!a,,cs event which ran 21-25 September.

Aca,!A"ItAca,!a,,cs a pleasure to have American forces here, bringing out equipment that many people donAca,!a,,ct get to see,Aca,!A? said Maj. Gen. Hugh Paine. Aca,!A"ItAca,!a,,cs been very successfulAca,!A|our biggest show so far.Aca,!A?

For U.S. military members, events like AAD2010 provide an opportunity for better regional understanding and insight while encouraging follow-on initiatives such as military-to-military familiarization events and combined exercises and training opportunities.

Aca,!A"The U.S. military and South African National Defense Forces enjoy an established partnership built on mutual trust and interests, and the work by both sides that went into putting this event on will only enhance our military-to-military cooperation,Aca,!A? said Woodward

General Paine agreed, describing the relationship between U.S. military and South African National Defense Forces as, Aca,!A"a partnership thatAca,!a,,cs grown over the years. It (AAD 2010) gives us an opportunity to do some benchmarking, and it gives an opportunity for military-to-military interaction which is always very good.Aca,!A?

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