Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- Members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) recently provided support to the Dubai Air Show. The professionalism and work ethic shown by the Airmen positively demonstrated how agile the 380th is in carrying out its mission to deliver decisive airpower, develop relationships and defend the region against adversaries.
“I think our Airmen did an amazing job,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Scott McGovern, 380th Expeditionary Mission Support Group deputy commander and 380th AEW air show liaison. “The teams who supported the mission were so dedicated to its success that they drove an eight vehicle caravan through a sand storm in order to transport our equipment from Al Dhafra to Al Maktoum International Airport in time to set up. Everyone worked seamlessly together to make the operation a success.”
This year’s air show, the third largest in the world, saw the first of many aircraft appearances from the U.S. military. The event boasted its first F-22 and KC-46 demos and F-35 flyovers. This was the largest display of U.S. military force at the biennial event, with a total of 15 U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft on exhibit.
‘’This air show is really a show of force,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas J. Goulter, Air Force Central Command (AFCENT) director of theater security cooperation. “It’s showing our partner nations in the region that the U.S. is here to support them while also sending a message to our enemies.”
To assist with such a large production, approximately two-hundred Airmen were requisitioned from various squadrons around the 380th AEW, to include security forces, logistics, maintenance, medical, and communications units. And, despite the long work hours, most found the experience fulfilling—an apex to their deployment.
“It has been busy providing security 24/7,” said 1st Lt. Frank Rosette, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron (ESFS) officer in charge of plans and programs. “It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the world’s third largest air show. I have been a steward of the United States on a scale which I may never be again.’’
The five-day event presented more than a few challenges, but the Airmen from the 380th were able to prove their capabilities in such a nuanced environment.
“It was different from my day-to-day operations, but I was still able to successfully triage five medical concerns,” said Patricia Farrelly, 380th Medical Group flight and operation medical technician. “We completed the mission and leadership thought that we did a good job. It was great to be there and able to provide medical coverage to fellow service members.’’
Continuing to develop relationships was the main priority for senior leadership at the event. The front-line interaction between allied partners and members of the 380th, therefore, stood out as one of the 380th's key contributions to the success of the air show. In particular, highlighting the positive working relationship between the U.S. and the UAE.
“Our biggest coordination has been with the Dubai police,’’ said Master Sgt. Raegina Randolph, 380th (ESFS) flight chief. “The Emiratis have helped with everything from traffic control to equipment.’’
These examples help to demonstrate to partners what makes Airmen from the 380th AEW so exemplary: it is the professionalism of those who supported the air show, as well as those who stayed behind to keep the mission going.
“We could not have put this air show together if it were not for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, so my hats off to the men and women of the 380th, and thank you,” said Goulter.