Future Aviators Appreciate F-16

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Cohen Young | Tech. Sgt. Timothy Connor of the Pacific Air Force F-16 Demonstration Team signs autographs for children of the Australian Air League, Sunbury Squadron, March 5, while attending the Australia International Airshow outside Geelong, Australia. The event is one of the largest airshows in the world. The U.S. and Australian alliance spans more than 60 years and provides an opportunity for U.S and senior military officials to engage with their Australian counterparts, and ultimately contribute toward interoperability between our forces.  

GEELONG, VI, AUSTRALIA

03.05.2011

Story by Master Sgt. Cohen Young 

DMA Pacific - Hawaii Media Bureau   

GEELONG, Australia -- The F-16 Demo Team lifted future Aviators in Geelong, Victoria Australia during the Australia International Airshow, March 5.

More than 30 future aviators gathered around a Misawa Air Base, Japan F-16 that was used to participate in the 2011 Australia International Airshow from Mach 1-6 just outside of Geelong, Victoria.

The students are members of the Australian Air League, which is a volunteer organization, which is designed to foster children in the field of aviation between 8-18 years old.

“Our organization gives the children a better appreciation of how aviation affects Australia, Michael Diamond, second officer and acting Commander of the Sunbury Squadron.

The Pacific Air Force F-16 Demonstration Team, which is based at Misawa Air Base, Japan was kind enough to give the children a tour of the main U.S. performer at the bi-annual airshow, which drew a crowd of more than 180, 000 people over a six day period.

The main public didn’t have the opportunity to reach out and touch the jets like the young aviators did.

“This is an absolute buzz for the children today,” said Diamond. “The general public got to see the jets fly, but through your program, the children were able to get closer and speak with the people that handle it and this will be something that they remember for an awful long time.”

The performance thrilled the children and the thought of flying an F-16 got many excited.

“The F-16 is just awesome and the performance we really cool,” said 13-year old Emaon Connor, the acting leading cadet.

The students met two of the pilots and many of the maintenance personnel that work on the F-16 “Wild Weasel,” which was exciting for both the team and the children.

“It was wonderful having the kids with us and showing them what our whole mission as the PACAF demo team is all about,” said Salt Lake City, Utah native, Tech. Sgt. Timothy Connor.

An egress systems craftsman, Connor showed the children all around the plane, introduced them to the other team members and answered many of their questions.

“The ability for the children to be able to come out here and put their hands on the aircraft allowed them to see the bigger picture of what we and their pilots do was pretty awesome, said Connor.

The airshow is one of the biggest in the world and is another of many events that occur between the U.S. and Australia, who have been partners for more than 60 years. AIA 2011 ultimately contributes toward interoperability between the two forces.

• Date Taken: 03.05.2011
• Date Posted: 03.07.2011 17:09
• Story ID: 66646
• Location: GEELONG, VI, AU