Berlin Airshow kicks-off on a 'high note'

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Corey Clements
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
BERLIN (AFPN) --  Aircraft soaring high over the crowd, music blaring at high levels and numerous high-profile guests dropping in for a visit helped kick the 2008 Berlin Airshow off on a high note here May 27.

More than 15 flight demonstrations wowed the crowd during the first day in Berlin. These demonstrations included the C-17 Globemaster III named the "Spirit of Berlin" from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. 

The C-17 crew, assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing, is part of a 90-person U.S. contingent, joined with more than 1,000 exhibitors from 37 countries, here at the Berlin-Schoenefeld Airport. 

German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, the first female head of the German government and U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Mr. William R. Timken Jr., both took part in a commemoration ceremony for the Berlin Airlift's 60th Anniversary, staged in front of the C-17 display.

The ceremony highlighted the accomplishments of Col. Gail Halvorsen, the Berlin Candy Bomber, and several other veterans who took part in the Berlin Airlift to bring food and supplies to West-Berliners who were cut-off during a Soviet Union blockade of all surface transportation in 1948.

One of the other nine U.S. aircraft on display is the C-130J Hercules from the 493rd Airlift Group at Little Rock AFB, Ark.

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan McNabb stopped by to pay the crew of the C-130J a visit during the airshow.

"It was cool to meet him, since he was the one who flew the first Air Mobility Command C-130J from the factory," said Staff Sgt. Steven Kenney, a C-130J maintenance crew chief.

Among other high profile visitors was Gen. Roger Brady, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, who spent time with the F-15 units and KC-135 crews from the U.S. bases in the United Kingdom, as well as others.

He thanked the Airmen for being at the airshow and told them how important these events are to strengthen our relationships with our allies.

Aside from the various aircraft, other contributions to the Berlin Airshow include the  Department of Defense technology exhibit showcasing prototypes of jets, helicopters and engine models of the U.S. Air Force and Army.

The Berlin Airshow 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.

Participation promotes standardization and interoperability of equipment with our NATO allies and other potential coalition partners, highlights the strength of the U.S. commitment to the security of Europe and the war on terrorism and demonstrates that U.S. industry is producing equipment that will be critical to the success of military operations in the future. 

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