NEW YORK, NY — A team from the New York National Guard will participate in Africa’s largest trade and air show in Pretoria South Africa, Sept. 12 to 18th.
The African Aerospace and Defense Airshow and Defense Exhibition is held every other year in South Africa.
A New York Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III, cargo and troop transport aircraft from the 105th Airlift Wing at Steward Air National Guard Base near Newburgh left for South Africa on Saturday, Sept. 10th after loading on equipment. Other personnel heading for the air show will leave on commercial airliners on Monday, September 12.
The aircraft, along with other American military aircraft and equipment, will be on display for aerospace and defense industries locally and internationally.
“Our participation in the air show is a highlight of the state partnership between New York and the Republic of South Africa,” said Maj. Gen. Anthony German, Adjutant General of the New York National Guard. “Taking part in this event will help strengthen our relationship with the South African National Defense Force and other regional partners as our Soldiers and Airmen meet each other and learn more about each other.”
According to event organizers, this is one of the world’s premier aerospace and defense events and holds a prominent position within the aviation and defense calendar.
The show which is held every two years, comprises dynamic vehicle demonstrations, flying and static displays and a world air show from some of the biggest names in aviation and the defense industry, who will demonstrate their latest and greatest aircrafts.
The air show and exhibition is hosted at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Participants will qualify and practice demonstration and display involvement, to ensure safety for personnel and the weeklong event will culminate with a public air show, Sep. 14-16, 2016.
Aircrews, personnel and equipment will return to the United States on Sep. 21st. Participation in this air show is part of the New York National Guard’s ongoing relationship with South Africa.
The State Partnership Program is a National Guard initiative that encourages relationships, enhances international security and builds capacity across all levels of society with developing nations. Each State and territorial National Guard is partnered with the military of a developing friendly nation.
New York’s partnership with the Republic of South Africa was initiated in 2003. Since then New York National Guard has been military visitors to South Africa and hosting military and civilian visitors in return. This year marks the fifth time the New York National Guard has attended the air show.
South African school children view the interior of a NY Air National Guard C-17 during the 2014 airshow.