U.S. military supports South African trade show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gassler
  • New York Air National Guard Public Affairs
WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa (AFPN) --  U.S. military equipment and Airmen from the New York Air National Guard are here for the Aerospace Exhibition.

The event marks the first time aircraft and guardsmen from New York have participated in a South African air show, officials said.

Visitors will get a close-up look at four static displays: a C-5 Galaxy, a KC-135 Stratotanker, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Aircrew and support Airmen from bases in Europe and New York are providing maintenance, security, public affairs and administrative support for the event.

The New York Guard has a special relationship with South Africa via the State Partnership Program, a U.S. reserve-component initiative that aligns U.S.-based Guard and Reserve units with militaries of other nations to enhance professional relationships and mutual understanding. The New York Guard-South Africa relationship began in August 2003 with senior-leader discussions and exchanges in Pretoria, South Africa.

Many countries in Central and Eastern Europe have partnerships with U.S. Guard units, and U.S. European Command officials are expanding the program. The South Africa-New York partnership is one of the first in Africa. There are 37 such partnerships throughout the combatant commands.

"The South Africa Aerospace Exhibition is a unique opportunity for the United States and U.S. National Guard units to partner with other nations' military forces. In turn, the relationship enhances defense relationships, cooperation and interoperability," said Col. Michael Canders, acting representative for the New York adjutant general. (Courtesy of American Forces Press Service)