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MARRAKECH, Morocco — The roar of aircraft engines, the coagulation of people’s voices through the crowd and the sound of an announcer over a loud speaker filled the air during this year’s Marrakech Air Show April 27 to 30 in Marrakech, Morocco.
The U.S. and Moroccan forces along with 54 other countries joined together during the four-day air expo in hopes of increasing positive relations, enjoying the camaraderie between one another through their passion of flight, and viewing some of the newest aeronautical technologies that the world has to offer.
During this year’s expo, several flying and static aircraft were presented. U.S. participation included U.S. military aircraft and crew stationed in England and Germany. A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing and a C-130J Super Hercules from the 86th Airlift Wing were displayed for guests to view from a static location. The presence of these aircraft at the show promoted strong ties between the Moroccan government and the United States, as well as increased their future interoperability efforts.
In the past, Morocco has welcomingly encouraged aviation companies to cohesively work with their nation as a strategic location within the region of Africa. The U.S. aerospace industry specifically has invested in Morocco and Boeing’s joint-venture production facility known as Morocco Aero-Technical Interconnect Systems, which employs more than 1,500 Moroccans. The collaboration has contributed to economic growth in the country as well as increased social stability.
“Morocco has a very strong aeronautical capability. We believe they are one of the strongest in the region, and we work with them to make sure that they continue to be a forward-leaning, best-in-practices air force,” said Dwight Bush, U.S. ambassador to Morocco.
Several U.S. companies and government agencies have participated in the Marrakech Air Show each year since 2008 and have witnessed the growth of the expo after each year’s passing.
“The U.S. has participated since the first air show in 2008. And the reason for the air show is to demonstrate new technologies in aerospace and also the service and technology that support the Moroccan air force and also our air services throughout the region,” Bush said.
Air shows and expos bring together everyone from aircraft enthusiasts and aeronautical developers to the common spectator. No matter the reason, visitors can be assured of one thing: It will be a memorable event.
“The most important thing about the air show is that it reinforces the commitment we have to Morocco,” said Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander. “We are a nation that goes and seeks out coalition partners. If we can continually, every day, work on that interoperability, when the time comes and our countries decide that we are going to use military force in support of our goals, we are able to do that in the most effective way.”
The U.S. is committed to assisting Morocco and other African nations in their effort to maintain a secure, stable and safe Africa. These types of air expos create a unique opportunity for the U.S. to work with its many African partners in achieving those goals.
