Photo By Sgt. Lena Wakayama | An MV-22B Osprey performs maneuvers during an aerial display Feb. 11 at the Changi...... read more read more
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CHANGI AIR BASE, Singapore - The Singapore International Airshow 2014 officially began Feb. 11 at the Changi Exhibition Center in Singapore with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and aerial demonstrations.
The Singapore International Airshow is the largest aviation and defense exhibition in Asia and helps to build stronger relations between the U.S. and Singapore, as well as amongst the international community.
The airshow will take place over the course of six days from Feb. 11-16. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 will showcase the KC-130J Super Hercules and the MV-22B Osprey respectively, alongside many airplanes, military equipment and technology demonstrations from the U.S. aerospace community.
“We are very pleased to (be invited as) the featured country (of the Singapore International Airshow 2014),” said Kirk Wagar, the U.S. ambassador to Singapore. “There are 163 U.S. companies here and we (have) 23 of the 96 static display aircraft.”
An MV-22B Osprey with VMM-262 and a KC-130J Super Hercules with VMGR-152 sat side-by-side with a C-17 Globemaster and a P-8 Poseidon in the static display area, which allowed airshow-goers the chance to get a close look at the aircraft as well as explore inside of them.
The members of the crowd were also treated to an aerial demonstration of aircraft from across the region, including the Osprey, showcasing their capabilities in front of a crowd of thousands.
“The mission of the Marine V-22 is to support the mission of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by providing assault support transport of combat troops supplies and equipment, day or night, under all weather conditions,” said Capt. Christopher M. Demars, the future operations officer with VMM-262. The aerial demonstration showed the public how the Ospreys accomplishes that mission.
The Osprey is a perfect fit for the Asia-Pacific region due to the capabilities to has to perform as both a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft, according to Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commander of Marine Corps Forces Pacific. The Osprey can travel thousands of miles and land in unimproved zones, much in the way it did during Operation Damayan in the Philippines.
"(The Ospreys) and the crews that are here were in Operation Damayan in the Philippines," said Robling. "(Its) capabilities are becoming very well-known and a lot of the myths... are overcome because of the way we operate it and the capabilities it brings to those in the region."
During the demonstrations, the Osprey preformed hovering and flight maneuvers, as well as nacelle drills, in which the engine cover-housings move during a hover, allowing the aircraft to bow to the audience.
“The Marines executed and accomplished the mission today,” said Capt. Andrew Serpa, an Osprey pilot with VMM-262. “Not just in the airshow, but prepping for the (orientation) flights, getting the planes ready last night, this morning and finishing up at the end of the day. Everyone from pilots to maintainers did an awesome job today.”
The presence of the U.S. aircraft in the airshow and throughout the region demonstrates the U.S.’s aviation capabilities and long-term commitment to its allies in the area.
“These companies that are here are not just involved in our own aircraft, but also in all the worldwide companies that are here,” said Wagar. “We are part of a team and we are part of the future here (in Asia).”
| Date Taken: | 02.11.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 02.11.2014 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 120445 |
| Location: | CHANGI AIR BASE, SG |
| Web Views: | 220 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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