A First For USAF

US Air Force aircraft landed at Ramenskoye Airfield just south of Moscow August 18 to participate in the Moscow Aviation and Space Show, a first for the U.S. military. Visitors will get a close-up look at five U.S. Air Force aircraft and see a daily F-15C Eagle aerial-demonstration flight along with MiG-29s and Su-27s piloted by Russian air force flight demonstration teams.

The American aircraft on display include the B-52 Stratofortress, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle, KC-135 Stratotanker and C-130 Hercules. They are among the 200 aircraft participating from around the world.

“This is a unique opportunity for us to showcase our capability,” said Col. Stephen Mueller, the 52nd Fighter Wing commander from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and the U.S. military cadre commander at the show.

“Our participation enhances our military-to-military contacts with Russia and supports our security cooperation. In the end, it strengthens our good relations.”

The air show opens today for industry leaders; it is open to the public August 22 through 24.

In 2001, the Department of Defense participated with a technology booth, but this is the first time U.S. military aircraft have been on display at the show. 

[ANN Thanks Master Sgt. Kenneth Fidler, US Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs]

FMI: www.af.mil