Photo By Staff Sgt. Ariel OShea | U.S. Air Force Maj. Taylor "FEMA" Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and...... read more read more
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RIONEGRO, Colombia – Nearly 60,000 attendees were present to witness the enduring partnership between the United States and Colombia during the 12th edition of the International Aeronautics and Space Fair, F-AIR 2025, at the José María Córdova International Airport, July 9-13.
The U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, delivered a thrilling aerial performance, showcasing the F-16C Fighting Falcon’s capabilities—a single-seat, multi-role fighter with the ability to switch between an air-to-ground and an air-to-air role at the touch of a button.
“As an American fighter pilot, the opportunity to take the airplane overseas in a diplomatic way is always extremely special,” said Maj. Taylor Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot. “To be able to share the combat capabilities of the F-16 to the people of Colombia is a dream come true for me. I can't tell you how warm the hospitality has been and how beautiful the country is.”
Also featured was the Wings of Blue Parachute Team from the U.S. Air Force Academy, who performed precision parachuting alongside their Colombian counterparts, Águila de Gules, descending to the ground in a cloud of colored smoke and streamers, trailing both partner nations’ flags.
The airshow’s high energy was met with enthusiasm from Colombian spectators, who warmly engaged with the American personnel. The camaraderie between Wings of Blue and Águila de Gules parachute teams was evident in shared smiles and high-fives, reflecting the strong bonds between the two nations.
“The presence of the United States Air Force at the Rionegro International Fair, represents the bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between the two countries,” said Colombian Aerospace Force Col. Alexander Sanchez. “That commitment ensures regional security and the strategic capabilities of our country.”
On the ground, the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing displayed a static C-130J Hercules, where Airmen were able to interact with airshow attendees and answer questions about the four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft.
“Airshows like F-AIR are invaluable,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Budis, mission commander and air boss for U.S. participation. “They offer a unique platform to strengthen our partnership with Colombia, while simultaneously enhancing our operational readiness.”
Budis emphasized that there’s value gained in deploying aircraft internationally, providing essential experience to U.S. Airmen in coordination and logistics skills necessary to meet future mission requirements in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility.
“We are deeply grateful to our Colombian partners for hosting this incredible airshow,” said Budis. “Opportunities like this allow us to train together, deepen relationships and build the trust.”
Events like F-AIR put that trust on full display, showcasing the U.S.-Colombia partnership and the importance of deepening military ties across every domain.
The U.S. Air Force will also participate in the upcoming Relámpago de los Andes, a Colombian-led exercise focused on enhancing techniques, tactics and procedures. The exercise will feature U.S. air assets to include F-16, KC-135, C-17, and HC-130 aircraft from multiple Air National Guard and active-duty units.
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2025 16:10 |
| Story ID: | 543152 |
| Location: | RIONEGRO, CO |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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