Air Force reservists participate in Africa's largest air expo Published Sept. 27, 2010 By 2nd Lt Joe Simms 315th AW Public Affairs CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA -- Six reservists from the 317th Airlift Squadron Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., were in Cape Town, South Africa Sept. 21-25, to participate in Africa's largest air show, the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition 2010 at Ysterplaat Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Mitch Richardson, a veteran of five air shows at Charleston AFB, served as the air boss of AADE 2010 while Senior Master Sgt. Dean Carter was superintendent. "My role is to take Air Force assets from the United States and Europe and introduce them into AADE 2010," Colonel Richardson said. "Sergeant Carter and I have worked closely with the South African Air Force ensuring there is a seamless transition from what we can provide and what we've been asked to bring to the show." The planning process, which began months ago for Colonel Richardson and Sergeant Carter, brought some new challenges in coordination and logistics. "The scale of AADE 2010 is more robust than what we have done in the past at Charleston," said Colonel Richardson. "Instead of all the assets coming to Charleston AFB, here we have to bring all the assets to them." "Logistically it's like putting on two air shows at once" Sergeant Carter added. "We've made sure everyone has a place to stay, they have the vehicles they need, and we've coordinated between here and at Cape Town International Airport to move equipment and people safely between the two locations." Sergeant Carter was also involved in the AADE Youth Development Program where students were invited to tour the aircraft and hear from experts in aviation and technology. The program is designed to introduce students to the positions available in South Africa's aviation and defense industries and opportunities for further education. The Youth Development Program brought students out the first three days during the trade show portion while the general public was able to attend the air show the following two days. The trade shows offered a chance for exhibitors in defense-related fields to showcase their products to an international audience. It also allowed senior leaders and distinguished visitors to meet with their counterparts from around the world. Vendors from the U.S., Germany, China, Turkey and across the African continent had displays for everything from armored vehicles and munitions to flight simulators and protective clothing. During the entire five-day event, aircraft from the U.S., South Africa and Italy were displayed along with a C-17 from the multinational Heavy Airlift Wing from Papa Air Base, Hungary. Majors Jason Williams and Mike Stratton, and loadmasters Master Sergeant George Counts and Tech Sergeant Eric Zilaitis maintained the static display along with the crew from Papa AB. During the air and trade expo, these members of the 317th AS introduced the C-17 Globemaster III to thousands visitors, vendors and international media outlets. "We've been happy to have so many members of foreign militaries and local civilians come through the static display, this has been a great experience," Maj. Williams said, a pilot with the 317th. "The first time people step inside they are amazed by the size of the aircraft," Sergeant Zilaitis said. "Then the questions range from how much does it carry and how far can it fly, to what happens when you drop supplies out the back?" In addition to the C-17 static display, there were displays of a C-130 J from the Rhode Island Air National Guard and a HH-60 helicopter from the 106th Rescue Wing Long Island, N.Y. As the show concluded on Saturday Lt. Col. Richardson said, "the highlight of the air show for me was being able to interact with the South African Air Force and see their military culture. It's been very enjoyable and something that I'll never forget." Stay up to date with the 315th Airlift Wing at http://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/. Follow the 315th on Facebook and Twitter.