AF leader reaffirms commitment to Asia-Pacific partners

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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) --  Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, Heidi Grant, attended the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2013 at Langkawi Island, Malaysia, as part of ongoing efforts to build relationships in the Asia-Pacific region, March 24 through 28.

The Deputy Undersecretary said the United States Air Force remains committed to engaging U.S. partners and allies in the Asia-Pacific region, and around the world, by participating in aerial events such as LIMA-13, in an effort to promote regional security interests, support friends and allies, and demonstrate U.S. military capabilities and resolve even during times of fiscal constraints.

"Sequestration, as a near-term fiscal challenge, should not be interpreted as a lack of long-term commitment," said Grant. "Our alliances and partnerships bring with them years of mutual trust and respect, significant interoperability, and information sharing -- all of which build multilateral relationships and underpin security and prosperity in the region."

In 2011, more than 230 delegations from 35 countries attended LIMA-11 along with approximately 33,000 trade visitors and more than 120,000 public visitors. About 75 aircraft and 40 warships and vessels from the U.S., Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, China, the Republic of Korea, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Singapore and Thailand also participated in LIMA-11.

After much consideration, Pacific Air Forces' event planners opted to cancel the F-16 Fighting Falcon demonstration team's participation in LIMA-13 due to significantly constrained flying hour programs and support costs. PACAF leadership pursued and received Headquarters Air Force approval permitting the C-17 Globemaster III demonstration team to attend LIMA to preserve the Air Force's aerial footprint at this biennial international event.

"PACAF has and will continue to make cuts in supporting theater engagements, we know that," said Gen. Hawk Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander. "We just have to do them smartly, so that we maintain our rebalance and pivot to the Pacific and maintain our capability to do what we need to do in support of our friends and allies."

PACAF's support for these events and international commitments are the backbone of the Command's mission to continue these key engagements and build partnership capacity throughout the region. Historically, PACAF supports 20 U.S. Pacific Command exercises and 19 PACAF-sponsored events annually, some of which include humanitarian assistance and disaster relief focused operations. Also, annually, there are approximately five international trade shows or aerospace exhibitions like LIMA.

First organized in 1991, LIMA provides participating countries a venue for promoting increased understanding and interoperability with the purpose of fostering regional stability and security across the Pacific theater. LIMA is a leading international trade show for aerospace and maritime manufacturers targeting the Asian market in defense, enforcement and commercial sectors.

(Courtesy Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs)