Strike Eagles support Qatar National Day

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Bethany Laville | A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts a formation fly over honoring Qatar National Day, Doha, Qatar Dec. 18, 2019. Qatar National Day is an annual holiday for Qataris to commemorate their national identity and history, and allows them to remember how their national unity was achieved. This year’s Qatar National Day celebration included a parade featuring massive fire work displays, military aircraft flyovers, and many other demonstrations of national unity. (U.S. Air Force Photo by SSgt Bethany La Ville)  

QATAR

12.18.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. Bethany Laville 

United States Air Forces Central       

By Staff Sgt. Bethany La Ville, 1st Combat Camera Squadron
DOHA, Qatar—Four U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to U.S. Air Forces Central Command conducted a formation flight over Doha, Qatar in honor of Qatar National Day, Dec. 18, 2019.
Much like the U.S.’s Independence Day, Qataris celebrate this national holiday annually to honor the significance of when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of the state of Qatar, succeeded his father and led the country to unity 141 years ago, according to Al Jazeera, a Qatari news organization.
In attendance and alongside Qatari leaders was the commander of U.S. AFCENT, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella.
“Qatar is a proven and trusted ally, and celebrating events like this together is a great way for us to learn about each other’s culture and celebrate our lasting relationship,” said Guastella.
This year’s festivities included a variety of aerial demonstrations to include a flyover with more than 70 U.S., Qatari, and coalition aircraft. One of the U.S. units that participated in the event was the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.
“We’re honored to celebrate Qatar National Day with our allies,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Hutto, the 494th EFS director of operations. “Our aircraft flying side-by-side symbolizes our solid military partnership, while demonstrating strength and unity in the region.”
The U.S. established its presence with two strategic locations in Qatar in 2000 and 2001. These locations within Qatar are crucial to empowering aerial assets throughout the region.
“We enjoy a tremendous bond with Qatar, and their support is critical to the success of our forward-deployed forces,” Guastella said. “The true value of a coalition is the collective defense capabilities enabled by operating together with a common goal – providing deterrence against would-be adversaries and enhancing regional security and stability.”

• Date Taken: 12.18.2019
• Date Posted: 02.06.2020 02:34
• Story ID: 361754
• Location: QA