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    U.S. Military Supports South African Trade Show

    New York Air National Guard Showcases Diverse Fleet at South Africa Aerospace Exhibition

    Courtesy Photo | Crowds attending the South Africa Aerospace Exhibition view a KC-135R Stratotanker...... read more read more

    WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

    09.24.2004

    Courtesy Story

    Defense.gov         

    U.S. military equipment and personnel from the New York Air National Guard will kick off the Aerospace Exhibition, at Waterkloof Air Force Base, in Pretoria, South Africa, on Sept. 25.

    The event marks the first time airframes and guardsmen from New York have participated in a South African air show, officials said.

    Visitors will get a close-up look at four static displays, a C-5 Galaxy, KC-135 Stratotanker, HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter and F-16A Fighting Falcon.

    Aircrew and support personnel from bases in Europe and New York are providing maintenance, security, public affairs and administrative support for the event.

    The New York Guard has a special relationship with South Africa via the State Partnership Program, a U.S. reserve-component initiative that aligns U.S.-based Guard and Reserve units with militaries of other nations to enhance professional relationships and mutual understanding. The New York Guard-South Africa relationship began in August of 2003 with senior-leadership discussions and exchanges in Pretoria.

    Many countries in Central and Eastern Europe have partnerships with U.S. Guard units, and the U.S. European Command is expanding the program. The South Africa-New York partnership is one of the first in Africa. There are 37 such partnerships throughout the combatant commands.

    "The South Africa Aerospace Exhibition is a unique opportunity for the United States and U.S. National Guard units to partner with other nations' military forces. In turn, the relationship enhances defense relationships, cooperation and interoperability," said Col. Michael Canders, acting representative for the New York State Adjutant General.

    Since the beginning of the New York-South Africa relationship, several bilateral engagements have taken place. In December 2003, South African National Defense Forces participated in familiarization exchanges with the 109th Airlift Wing and 106th Rescue Wing. South African air force personnel were introduced to U.S Air Force operations and procedures on the C-130 Hercules, which South Africa also flies, and HH-60 helicopter in-flight refueling and rescue operations.

    In May 2004, New York Guard members participated in Environmental Security Working Group discussions in Cape Town, South Africa. In July, 30 N.Y. Guard members participated for the first time in the annual U.S. European Command exercise MEDFLAG 2004.

    (Air Force Staff Sgt. John Gassler is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of the N.Y. Air National Guard.)

    Story by Staff Sgt. John Gassler, USAF, Special to American Forces Press Service

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.24.2004
    Date Posted: 07.04.2025 03:33
    Story ID: 535465
    Location: WASHINGTON, US

    Web Views: 4
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