BERLIN –
Aircrew and support members from bases in Europe and the U.S. have been hustling in to prepare for one of the premier air shows in the world, the Berlin International Air Show.
Charleston's "Spirit of Berlin" C-17 Globemaster III and C-47 heritage flight kicked-off the daily events at the Berlin-Shoenefeld Airport, Germany, May 27.
Coordinating the timeline for arrivals, departures and demonstrations, particularly the C-17 and C-47 heritage flight for the opening ceremony, were some of the biggest preparations we worked, said Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Kilbourn, the show's U.S. Air Boss from Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air and Space Operations, who is responsible for overseeing the movement of all U.S. aircraft in the show.
"Taking care of maintenance, arranging parking places for the aircraft and all the logistics behind it all has kept us very busy," said Colonel Kilbourn. "Our hardworking U.S. Airmen working with our dedicated German air force counterparts to tow air planes and work security issues and other functions will surely make the air show a success."
Airmen prepared various models of U.S. military aircraft for flight demonstrations and static displays, including the B-1B Lancer; C-130J Hercules; C-17 Globemaster III; C-5 Galaxy; KC-135R Stratotanker; F-15E Strike Eagle; F-15C Eagle; and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
"Our mission is two-fold," said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Rich Bryan, the NCO in charge of maintenance on the B-1B Lancer at the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dyess AFB, Texas.
"Our primary focus is service and maintenance on the aircraft to get them ready to fly, and secondly to clean the aircraft for static display to project a professional positive image of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S.," he added.
Senior Airman Marcus Smith, a B-1B Lancer maintenance crew chief, says he's very happy to be here on his first temporary duty assignment away from his home station at Dyess AFB.
"I'm excited about showing off our bomber and what I do, and sharing with the spectators the highlights of our aircraft," he said while cleaning the B-1B nose landing gear.
"I hope I get the chance to share some knowledge about the F-15," said Staff Sgt. Amy Stroud, an F-15E jet engine mechanic from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. "Now that I have my airframe license, I know all about it," she exclaimed with enthusiasm.
"We look forward to letting the spectators on board the KC-135R Stratotanker, and let them get down in the boom pod and see the cockpit," said Capt. Rob Arnett, the aircraft commander for the KC-135R from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, U.K.
"This will be a great opportunity for us to interact with the public and show off our jet and how great it is to be in the U.S. Air Force," Captain Arnett added.
U.S. participation in the Berlin Air Show enhances the U.S.-German military-to-military relationship and supports U.S. security cooperation strategic direction efforts. The defense department's involvement in this event is about fostering good relations and better understanding among nations.
This year's air show coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift and will likely create more interest with the German citizens. The airlift provided food, fuel and medicine to 2.5 million West Berliners cut-off from the world by a Soviet Union imposed blockade of all surface transportation in 1948.