Maintainers keep airplanes flying during Bahrain International Airshow

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • AFCENT Combat Camera Team
MANAMA, Bahrain (AFNS) --  The inaugural Bahrain International Airshow, highlighted state-of-the-art fighter and transport aircraft in front of military and civilian leaders from across the Middle East and thousands of spectators, Jan. 21-23, from the small island nation of Bahrain.

But without aircraft maintainers, there wouldn't be a show.

"I am proud to be here working with a great group of maintenance Airmen," said Capt. Candido Mendes, the airshow maintenance director assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain. "They are top-notch professionals and great ambassadors for our country and the Air Force. This is a great opportunity for us to showcase our aircraft and professionals to our good allies, the Bahrainis, along with the other coalition partners here."

The South Dakota Air National Guard, Sioux Falls, S.D., provided F-16 Fighting Falcons for spectators to see up close and personal. The maintainers take great pride in their efforts to keep the sleek and deadly aircraft ready for pilots to fly.

"We are very dedicated to our aircraft," said Master Sgt. Troy Erlandson, a 114th Fighter Wing avionics maintainer. "Our pilots are flying planes which were built in 1985, making them some of the oldest F-16s around. We have a lot of pride in taking care of these aircraft and getting them ready to get into the fight with their active-duty counterparts or representing the United States here at this airshow."

The maintainers stand proudly by the aircraft they maintain, ready to highlight "their planes" to airshow visitors, including military dignitaries and civilian leaders.

"It's really great having this chance to come down from Iraq and meet with the citizens and leaders of Bahrain," Sergeant Erlandson said. "This event highlights our relationship with this country, which is important to the security and stability of the region and I am proud to have been a part of it."