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PACAF C-17 demonstration team performs for thousands at BRIDEX 2013

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei --  Members from the Pacific Air Forces C-17 aerial demonstration team from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, flew across the North Pacific Ocean recently to represent the U.S. Air Force and demonstrate aircraft capabilities at the 4th biennial Brunei Darussalam International Defense Exhibition from Dec 2-6.

"BRIDEX 2013 allows the U.S. to come together with our Pacific neighbors in the region, and gives us the opportunity to learn about each other. It brings a multitude of aircraft, international pilots and aircrews together." said Maj. Mat Klingenberg, Pacific Air Forces demonstration team pilot. "We received the opportunity to view various types of aircraft via static display and flights, and learn about their unique capabilities. It was a great learning experience for us, with over 70 countries represented."

BRIDEX 13's theme was "bridging the capability gap" and it showcased technology in land, sea, air and security systems to address the wide spectrum of security challenges being faced by countries in the region and around the world. It also provided an opportunity for communication and cooperation with regional partners and allies which enhances preparedness for disasters and other contingency operations.

"BRIDEX is important because it helps to promote and foster relationships between the countries involved," said Royal Brunei Air Force Lt. Emad Hamdi Sawal, a student pilot from the Number 63 Squadron and liaison officer to the U.S. delegates during BRIDEX 2013.

"My most memorable aerial demonstrations were from the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey, the Singapore Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and U.S. Air Forces C-17 Globemaster III," said Emad. "The C-17 is an awesome aircraft and I hope that one day our country will obtain the state-of-the-art aircraft."

U.S. participation in BRIDEX 13 demonstrated cooperative engagement with Brunei and a continued commitment to regional security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

"BRIDEX 2013 was successful this year, but we didn't know if we would be able to participate this year, due to funding. But at the last moment our mission was approved," said Klingenberg. "So just getting out here and being able to attend was a huge step for us."

The demonstration team consisted of personnel from the active duty 535th Airlift and 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons, and the Hawaii Air National Guard's 204th Airlift Squadron, all working together as a total-force team.

"This is the first time a Hawaii Air National Guard service member has been selected and participated as a part of our PACAF demonstration team." said Klingenberg. "Total force integration is always very important, especially during these times of fiscal uncertainty and this is another stepping stone proving that TFI does work and can be successful. This is the first time we have utilized TFI with the PACAF demonstration team, and it made a huge impact."

Approximately 50 service members from the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps participated in BRIDEX 2013. An estimated 20,000 spectators, including the Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah and other Brunei and international political, military and defense business officials, viewed the C-17 Globemaster III via static display and aerial demonstrations over the five-day airshow.