DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The Dubai Airshow 2025 featured U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force aircraft and weapon systems, as well as multiple live demonstrations. One of the most captivating demonstrations did not feature state-of-the-art military equipment; instead, it drew international audiences through a universal language—music.
The 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central) Band took center stage under the wing of a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules amidst more than 200 aircraft from 115 countries, performing two shows each day of the week-long expo.
The current AFCENT band is composed of U.S. Air Force Academy Band musicians serving a six-month rotation to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. At Dubai, the rock band provided a signature dose of Americana on an international stage.
They delivered classic hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” originally performed by Guns N’ Roses, and ‘80s pop hit, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” originally performed by Whitney Houston. The rock band drew steady attention during its morning and afternoon performances as audiences danced and sang along with the American hits.
“Our rock band performs familiar hits and meshed well into the air show, but it is just one genre that we can call upon,” said Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Benton, the senior enlisted leader of the AFCENT Band. “Throughout the air show, we were able to showcase our formal military music capability and the cultural competency of our skilled vocalists.”
Away from the flightline and into the exhibit hall, the AFCENT Band continued its command presence as Master Sgt. Kayla Richardson, a vocalist with the AFCENT Band, opened a public event with a performance of the American and United Arab Emirates national anthems. The performance honored 30 years of America’s participation in Dubai’s biennial air show.
Richardson partnered with a cultural expert from the U.S. Embassy to study and hone her ability to flawlessly deliver the anthem in the native language of Arabic. Her efforts were rewarded as UAE Air Force representatives were visibly moved by the performance.
Continuing the theme of partnership, the AFCENT Band joined the UAE Armed Forces Band, performing three pieces while marching among the static displays.
UAE Armed Forces Band chief, Capt. Mohammed Hassan Al-Blooshi, shared positive sentiments about the experience.
"I am delighted to share my thoughts on our collaboration with the United States of America musical band,” he said. “This partnership has been an enriching and inspiring experience for all of us.
“It not only brought together musicians but also two cultures, demonstrating the power of art to build bridges of communication. Your participation added depth and beauty to our performance, and working with you was a truly special opportunity that we cherish."
Through world-class musical presentations and ceremonies, the U.S. Air Force Band continues to bridge cultural and linguistic differences to advance international relationships and inspire positive and long-lasting impressions throughout the region.