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315th AW soars into Berlin Air Show

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tom Brading
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The 315th Airlift Wing represented Joint Base Charleston in Berlin, Germany to participate in the 2016 Berlin Air Show June 1-4. The show had approximately 230,000 visitors and exhibitors from more than 65 countries.

In addition, the 315th AW was one of the few representatives of the United States during the international event.

Held every two years, the Berlin Air Show is a unique opportunity for the United States, along with other military allies, to showcase their leadership in aerospace technologies while supporting various armament procurement competitions taking place throughout Europe.

“The United States supports its NATO partners through participation in this international event,” said Lt. Col. Craig Bartosh, 701st Airlift Squadron aircraft commander. “This action reaffirms U.S. EUCOM’s commitment to our partners while understanding that no nation can confront today’s challenges alone.”

The military departments have been given approval to participate in select international air shows by the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. By participating in this German-sponsored event, the U.S. demonstrates a strong presence and promotes our strong ties with NATO and Europe.

“It’s great to see such a patriotic outpour from the German community,” said German Air Force Maj. Rico Persy, Hamburg, Germany native and 14th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot. “It’s important for people to understand the role the military plays, and how we’re here to ensure their security.”

Persy is a German foreign exchange pilot that was a part of the aircrew assigned to the event.

Various models of U.S. military aircraft and equipment, along with aircrews and support personnel from bases in Europe and the United States attended the event. Including the C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.

“Military participation is the core of the air show,” said Bartosh. “It offered technology and solutions for security of today and tomorrow.”

Bartosh added, the Berlin Air Show demonstrates the U.S., and our allied industries are producing equipment that will be a credit to the success of future military operations.

Participation in this premier event highlights the strength of U.S. commitment to the security of Europe and demonstrates that U.S. industry is producing equipment that will be critical to the success of current and future military operations.

“The Berlin Air Show provided an opportunity to strengthen the U.S. and European partnership that has been forged during the last seven decades and built on shared values, experiences and vision,” said Bartosh.