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In the UAE: Building partnerships and preventing conflicts

  • Published
  • By Maj. David Faggard
  • USAFCENT Public Affairs
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates --  The deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs is at the Dubai Airshow here this week to build partnerships that strengthen peace and stability.

"The biennial event, held in conjunction with the United Arab Emirates, is recognized as the premier aviation and air industry event in the region and is a high quality show," Grant said. "It has been a quality event, from sunup to sundown."

With more than 35 air chiefs present at the airshow, Grant has had the opportunity to network with global decision makers.

She believes the engagements U.S. service members conduct daily in this region are about "gaining trust and listening to the other air chiefs, determining their needs and potentially starting a dialog that may last decades...or longer."

"This event is not only about the aircraft," she said. "It's about showcasing our people and their training; this is what makes us strong."

"We don't need to spend billions on conflicts if we can avoid them altogether," said Grant. "If you build a friendship with the United States, you gain a friend for life. Our men and women live by such high standards, that's the core of our effort here. This is conflict prevention and promoting a partnering culture."

According to Grant, "stability here ensures global stability and freedom of navigation for commerce. We all can agree that we need stability for our next generation."

Lt. Gen. John Hesterman, Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, was also at the Dubai Airshow. According to Grant, Hesterman is in regular dialogue with his operational counterparts in the region.

Grant stated that strong partnerships will "buy down risk" and firmly believes "we are stronger together."

Grant has extensive experience in troubled regions around the world; she has had tours at the Pentagon during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and later worked in U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Africa Command.

She worked directly with allies and partners building and assisting with coalition efforts in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 2013 Dubai Airshow at the Dubai World Central airport in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17 -21, 2013 is one of the largest airshows in the world.

According to U.S. Defense officials, American military members are here to demonstrate a commitment to regional security, the flexibility of air power, and to strengthen military-to-military relationships with regional partners, according to Defense officials. Approximately 100 U.S. DoD personnel, are participating in the airshow.