U.S. Air Force lands at Moscow air show

***image1***ZHUKOVSKY, Russia – U.S. Air Force maintainers chocked and secured six U.S. Air Force aircraft at Ramenskoye Airfield here Aug. 14, as they prepared to participate in the Moscow International Air Show and Space Salon.

Approximately 100 U.S. military members played an active part in the Moscow Air Show Aug. 16 to 21, as they allow visitors to get a close-up look at the U.S. Air Force aircraft.

The air show is one of the largest in the world, fourth only to the air shows in Paris, Farnborough, England, and Dubai.

“MAKS is one of the premier events of its type in the world, and we’re proud to be a part of it,” said Col. Scott Nielson, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Reserve Forces advisor and Air Boss for the event.

“Opportunities like this allow us to strengthen our relations with our Russian partners, and it’s also an opportunity to showcase and display our capabilities,” Colonel Nielson said. “Our participation demonstrates our commitment to international security, promotes international cooperation and contributes to U.S. foreign policy objectives – It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
American aircraft showcased include the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, KC-10 Extender, KC-135 Stratotanker and the B-1B Lancer.

The B-1B also performed daily aerial demonstrations, and air show attendees were able to see static displays of all of the aircraft as well as speak with the aircrew.

And, it is this type of interaction with our Russian counterparts that the Airmen looked forward to.
“It was an awesome experience,” said Staff Sgt. Kory Stiles, a mobile aerial port specialist from the 86th Contingency Response Group at Ramstein.

“Not too many Americans have the opportunity to come to Russia,” said Sergeant Stiles. “To be able to come here and talk with the Russian public and see each other’s aircraft in action – it was incredible.”

This is the second time the United States has displayed military aircraft at the air show; the first time was in 2003. In 2001 the Department of Defense participated with a technology booth.