At the Dubai Airshow 2019, a variety of U.S. Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft are perched and on display for the tens of thousands of attendees who want to see airpower at its finest.
Among them is the F-15E Strike Eagle, which has been one of the U.S. Air Force’s primary dual-role fighter jet aircraft designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions for decades. It is no surprise that the Strike Eagle is among the most visited aircraft on the ramp, which is why U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zach Shuttle stands beside “his aircraft” ensuring it is picture perfect.
The 23-year-old Chico, California, native isn’t alone. He is part of a team of dedicated Airmen attending the airshow, tending to the F-15E and interacting with aircrews from around the world, which is what Shuttle likes best about his Dubai Airshow experience.
“I love being here because I have learned a lot about all of the other aircraft out here – how to work on them, different things about their airframes, and the way they do their jobs,” said Shuttle, a loud-and-proud Raiders football fan. “That may be the best part of being here in Dubai is seeing the diversity of aircraft from all these countries and seeing the relationship between all the people. It is amazing.”
The Dubai Airshow 2019 is the largest aerial tradeshow in the world, and allows U.S. forces to demonstrate the unique capabilities it provides throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.