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US builds bonds during the 2005 Dubai air show

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Wayne Capps
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates --  Usually when one thinks of the United States displaying air power in the Middle East, the promotion of economic growth and good will does not come to mind, but that is exactly why the U.S. Air Force and Navy are on hand during the Dubai 2005 Air Show.
More than 300 U.S. military personnel and over 20 different U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft are on hand to participate in the world’s third largest air show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 20 to 24.
This international air show gives the U.S. has the chance to show off different aircraft ranging from the F-16 Falcon, the F-15 Eagle, to the C-17 Globemaster III and the B-1 Lancer.
“We have the opportunity to show them what our airplane looks like and what it does”, said Col. Gary Cook, commander of the 315th Airlift Wing and pilot aboard the C-17 that is on display.
While the event is largely an aviation trade show, U.S. military aviators are thrilled at the opportunity of displaying their aircraft to allies in the Middle East. “This air show builds a lot of good will and opens up trade between the different countries. It is good to talk to other pilots, compare notes and just get to know each other a little better”, said Maj. William Bundy, an Air Force Reserve C-130J pilot assigned to the 403rd Airlift Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
Excited about getting to participating in her first international air show, 1st Lt Heather Swanson, a C-17 pilot assigned to the 300th Airlift Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., said, “It is an international air show with the international aviation community and we are part of that. We get to build good will in the world community.” Lieutenant Swanson is admittedly a little nervous about the cultural differences but found all of the onlookers eager to talk to her about her experiences as a female pilot.
For Colonel Cook, the air show is more than just a marketing opportunity for leaders in the aviation community; it was an opportunity to remind the international community of the role the U.S. military plays in the world. “We have the opportunity to remind them that we were the first in to help during the tsunami and the first medical relief into Iran during their earthquake. They get to see a different side of what the American Air Force is about”, said Colonel Cook.