Asian Aerospace 2004 highlights capability, technology

  • Published
  • By Capt. Dede Halfhill
  • 8th Fighter Wing executive officer
SINGAPORE (AFPN) --  The flying was fast, loud and very impressive as Asian Aerospace 2004 kicked off Feb. 24. The international air show, held at the Changi Exhibition Center here every two years, provides an opportunity for nearly 800 exhibitors from 33 countries and more than 23,000 trade visitors to promote the wares of the aerospace industry.

Of course, what better way to showcase the latest advancements in aerospace technology and capability than through flying. Among the more than 25 aircraft in attendance, U.S. participants here showcased the combat capabilities of the fighting force to include the F-15E Strike Eagle from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England; the F-16 Fighting Falcon from Misawa Air Base, Japan; the B-1B Lancer from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas; the KC-135 Stratotanker from Kadena AB, Japan; and the Apache AH-64D Longbow attack helicopter from Mesa, Ariz.

U.S. participation in Asian Aerospace 2004 is an opportunity to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the Pacific region, enhance military-to-military contacts and contribute to the U.S. strategic concept of cooperative engagement.

"Our commitment and assurance are proven and realized through active engagement and improving interoperability with our friends and allies," said Brig. Gen. Glenn Spears, Pacific Air Forces’ plans and programs director. "Relationships, personal and organizational, are critical enablers of security."

Security is not the exclusive benefit of the engagement.

"The relations that we build with other nations and their air forces around the world are the critical enablers for an expeditionary Air Force fighting a global war," said Bruce S. Lemkin, deputy undersecretary for International Affairs at the Pentagon. "In building these relationships we not only facilitate the U.S. Air Force's ability to operate globally, but we assist our friends and partners in achieving the necessary capabilities for them to protect their interests, maintain security, [and] deter and fight agressors independently and in consort with us."

More than 60 Department of Defense people are participating in Asian Aerospace 2004 which runs through Feb. 29. (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces News Service)