U.S. opens Berlin Air Show with ‘Spirit’ Published May 17, 2006 By Master Sgt. Chuck Roberts U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs BERLIN -- A C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., named the “Spirit of Berlin” helped kick off the Berlin Air Show May 16-21 when it flew before opening-day spectators. The C-17 crew, assigned to Air Force Reserve Command’s 315th Airlift Wing, is part of a U.S. contingent joining more than 1,000 exhibitors from 42 countries at the Berlin Schoenefeld Airport. Joining the Globemaster III are U.S. Army and Air Force aircraft stationed in the United States, England and Germany. Among the 10 U.S. aircraft is a C-130J Hercules from the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing, based at Keesler AFB, Miss. Maj. Darryl Woods, a C-130J instructor pilot from the 403rd Wing's 53rd Reconnaissance Squadron – also known as the Hurricane Hunters – has performed military duty before in Germany, but this was his first time in Berlin. The reservist, a Nacogdoches, Miss., native, said he is glad he made the special effort to be a part of the show. Among the more notable visitors dropping by static displays was a military contingent from China that featured Air Force Maj. Gen. Yue Xicui, the first female Chinese military pilot. She has logged more than 6,000 hours in the cockpit. She enjoyed the opportunity to check out the C-17 and the C-130J. The Berlin Air Show is one of the premier events of its type in the world. U.S. military participation contributes to a number of U.S. security and foreign policy interests. Having Americans there promotes standardization and interoperability of equipment with NATO allies and other potential coalition partners, and it highlights the strengths of the U.S. commitment to the security of Europe. In addition, the air show offers an opportunity to show that U.S. industry is producing equipment that will be critical to the success of current and future military operations. (AFRC News Service from Air Force Print News)