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Aviation trade show features F-22A, other aircraft

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrea Knudson
  • 477th Fighter Group
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  An F-22A Raptor from here was among the more than 60 aircraft on display at the 12th Annual Alaska State Aviation Trade Show & Conference at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska, May 2-3.

The Raptor, along with a C-17, C-130H, HC-130 and an HH-60 Pave Hawk from Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing and a T-38C from Randolph AFB, Texas, represented the Air Force's diverse fleet of aircraft. Pilots, maintainers and crew members were on hand to answer questions and provide information about their respective aircraft. About 15,000 attended the show.

Lt. Col. Dave Piffarerio, an F-22A pilot in Air Force Reserve Command's 477th Fighter Group here, said the F-22A typically draws a crowd because the public wants to see the Air Force's newest, combat capable platform.

"When you get to explain the benefits of stealth technology, super-cruise, integrated avionics and unparalleled maneuvering, the public gets very excited and enthusiastic about our newest combat aircraft," said Colonel Piffarerio, who is also the 302nd Fighter Squadron flight commander. "They are very curious as to what this jet can do for defending America, and we get the opportunity to explain what we are doing. From force projection in the Pacific theater, to flying home station alert missions, the F-22A is the Air Force's newest combat-agile aircraft that is ready to be employed."

The Air Force's newest fighter jet was the highlight of the show for one visitor.

"I like the jets; they're my favorite," said Dante Carter, 9, who accompanied his father Gregory Carter to the show.

Mr. Carter, who served in the Army and is an Anchorage resident, said he also has an F-22A.

"I fly one myself," he said. "By Radio Shack. I paid $49 for it."

Mr. Carter said he is an aviation enthusiast, who gets chills when the engines fire.

Members of the 477th FG took part in the aviation trade show to demonstrate the group's commitment and support of the local community and civilian aviation, said Lt. Col. Brian Silkey, project officer for the F-22A static display at the event.

"It also allows us to interact with the civilian general and commercial aviation community and provides the opportunity for the 477th Fighter Group to get information out to the community about our growing organization," said Colonel Silkey, director of operations for the 302nd Fighter Squadron and an F-22A pilot. "Our fighter group is comprised of Citizen Airmen Reservists and events such as these serve as a great opportunity to recruit outstanding individuals for the Air Force."

The Alaska Airmen's Association hosts the show each year and according to one of the board of directors, the show wouldn't be the same without the military's participation.

"The Air Force is an integral part of Alaska's aviation history - a major part of what brings people to Alaska," said Erika Bennett, a three-year board member who has attended all 12 trade shows. "A lot of people enjoy seeing military aircraft on display. They get to see them up close and personal - to touch, to feel, to see, to be awe inspired. [The show] wouldn't be the same without military aircraft."

More than 275 aviation-related vendors participated in the show. Aircraft parts, services and sales, as well as aviation museums, flying clubs, weather services, survival gear vendors, education centers for college, high school and elementary school children, aviation artists, photographers, and governmental agencies which deal with aviation-related issues like Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation, Mrs. Bennett said. Other aircraft on display featured light sport, general aviation, experimental, commercial and corporate.

Representatives from 11th Air Force, Fort Wainwright and Fort Richardson, Airmen from the 176th WG and recruiters from both the 477th FG and 176th Wing took part in the show as well.