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U.S. participates in Bahrain air show to show commitment to regional stability

  • Published
  • By Lt. Alexander Cornell du Houx and Lt.j.g. Seth Koenig
  • U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain --  Naval aviation was on display Jan. 21-23 during the three-day 2016 Bahrain International Airshow at Sakhir Airbase.

U.S. participation in the biennial event consisted of static displays of 10 military aircraft representing the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines, as well as F-22 Raptor aerial demonstrations.

“I met with people who are interested in what we do,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Bair, from the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) who spoke with air show attendees about his F/A-18F Super Hornet. “Anytime you have a chance to take part in an event like this, it’s reinvigorating.”

Highlighting static displays of U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy aircraft showcases the wide range of capabilities inherent in U.S. military aviation. U.S. participation in this event enhances interoperability with international partners and demonstrates a shared commitment to regional security.

The air show featured international aerobatics teams from the United Arab Emirates Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force and Indian Air Force, among others.

“Coming together with our partners in the Gulf states for the Bahrain International Airshow has been excellent experience,” said Lt. Jordan Dennis, representing the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Mines Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15, whose MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter was one of the static displays. “We look forward to continuing to enhance interoperability with our partners here in the Middle East.”

Since the inception of the Bahrain International Airshow in 2010, U.S. Navy support and participation has continued to enhance American partnerships in the region. Navy presence at this event helps cultivate relationships and capabilities with military members from regional partner nations, as well as ensuring a common framework with industry professionals.

In addition to the MH-53E and F/A-18F, the U.S. static displays at the air show included: Two AV-8B Harrier jets and two MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3); an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter representing Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26; a F/A-18C Hornet representing Strike Fighter Squadron 83 (VFA-83) embarked aboard Harry S. Truman; a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter representing Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 168 Aviation Battalion; and a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle representing the U.S. Air Force’s 391st Fighting Squadron.

The 2016 Bahrain International Airshow was preceded by the Manama Air Power Symposium, held Jan. 20.