Bahrain International Airshow kicks off

Photo By Staff Sgt. Stephany Richards | Guests attending the 2014 Bahrain International Airshow tour a U.S. Air Force C130J Super Hercules opening day at Sakhir Airbase in Manama, Bahrain, Jan. 16, 2014. The C130J and crew are deployed from the 143rd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guard. The BIAS runs daily until the 18th of Jan. The U.S. will support several aviation static displays. The aircraft the U.S. is showcasing through static displays is the C-130J Hercules, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-18E/F Hornet, MV-22 Osprey, and UH-1Y Huey Venom, AH-1Z Viper and MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters. The U.S. Air Force will also have a B-1 Lancer and F-22 Raptor flyby. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephany Richards)  

SAKHIR AIR BASE, BAHRAIN

01.16.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Stephany Richards 

2D Audiovisual Squadron

SAKHIR AIR BASE, Bahrain - The U.S. Air Force is participating in the 2014 Bahrain International Airshow to strengthen regional partnerships and showcase aircraft, Jan. 16-18.

The U.S. Defense Department has participated in all three previous Bahrain Airshows. The 2014 event is expected to attract more than 55,000 visitors to view more than 1,000 exhibits from nearly 50 countries.

American airpower on display this year includes a C-130J Hercules, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-18E/F Hornet, MV-22 Osprey, and UH-1Y Huey Venom, AH-1Z Viper MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters, according to Col. Robert Nelson, U.S. Air Forces Central Command Theater Security Cooperation director.

Additionally, a B-1B Lancer and F-22 Raptor conducted flyovers during the aerial demonstrations Jan. 16 and are slated to perform similar flyovers Friday and Saturday.

“We have three services represented here under the DOD umbrella,” said Nelson. “In total, there are approximately 100 American airmen, Marines, sailors, and civilians participating.”

“I think it’s a great event that fosters and builds on the relationships we already have with the Bahrainis and all the other countries participating here,” said Capt. Erick Joachim, 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle pilot.

“The main interactions we have with people is answering questions and discussing the capabilities of the aircraft,” said Senior Airman Peter McCann, 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster. “We’re happy to be here, and the Bahrainis have been very welcoming.”

• Date Taken: 01.16.2014
• Date Posted: 01.17.2014 14:47
• Story ID: 119312
• Location: SAKHIR AIR BASE, BH