LATHAM, N.Y. (Army News Service, Sept. 21, 2010) -- The U.S. Army is set to participate in the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exposition 2010 held in Cape Town, South Africa, Sept. 21-25.
The event, held at Ysterplaat Air Force Base, is the African continent's largest air show featuring aircraft from 35 countries and 135 manufacturers.
The New York National Guard, which participates in a State Partnership Program with the South African National Defence Force, has sent an OH-58 Kiowa scout helicopter, an HH-60 Pavehawk rescue helicopter and a giant C-5A cargo plane to participate in the exhibition.
"Support missions such as this afford our New York National Guard a continuous capability to strengthen our partnership with the South African National Defence Forces," said Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, director of joint staff for the New York National Guard.
The National Guard in New York encourages opportunities to exchange and share information about how to better prepare Soldiers and Airmen for the demands of today's contingency missions, Payne said.
New York's Air National Guard also has a stake in the event. The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Long Island, N.Y., is contributing the HH-60 Pavehawk. The wing sent 25 Airmen, including pararescue specialists to participate in the show and conduct military-to-military operations with South African forces.
"Some 80 percent of the exhibition space has already been booked, which is remarkable considering the worldwide economic situation that has impacted on the global aerospace and defense industry," said Geoff van Hees, exhibit director.
The C-5A, which conducts strategic airlifts around the world, transported the Army National Guard troops and equipment.
"It's going to be awesome. It is a good trip," said Sgt. Kevin Resseler, an OH-59 ground support mechanic. "You'll see what other countries are using. You'll see what other units are using."
The SPP is a National Guard initiative that encourages relationships, enhances international security and builds capacity across all levels of society with developing nations. Each state and territorial National Guard is partnered with the military of a developing friendly nation.
New York's partnership with South Africa started in 2003. Since then, New York's National Guard has been sending military visitors to the country and hosting military and civilian visitors in return. The Guard has a liaison permanently stationed at the American Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, to coordinate with foreign military leaders.
The Africa Aerospace and Defence Exposition is a five-day event held every two years. The first three days of the event will be a trade show, with an air show open to the public the last two days.
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