459 ARW demonstrates global capibility at Australian air show

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katie Spencer
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
PEARCE, Australia --  Members from the 459th Air Refueling Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md., landed in Pearce, Australia, as part of an international support mission, May 18.

The 459 ARW are assisting fellow airmen of the Royal Australian Air Force by having one of their KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft on display for the Defence Force Air Show (sic), May 19 to 20, 2012.

"The 459 ARW is the National Capitol Region's only Reserve wing and we have a responsibility to reach out to international partners," said Air Force Col. Samuel Mahaney, 459 ARW commander. "By participating in international air show shows it shows our commitment to partnership and our ability to project power around the world."

This year's Defence Force Air Show theme is "Air Force: Anywhere, Anytime." This coincides with the 459 ARW mission of "We bring fuel to the fight. Anytime. Anywhere."

"Our wing is fully prepared to generate around the clock strategic airlift and provide global aerial refueling support to multi-command, multi-service missions at a moment's notice," said Col. Brain Davis, 459th Operations Group commander. "We bring fuel to the fight so our allies can bring the fight to our enemies."

In addition to getting up close and personal with the KC-135 Stratotanker, spectators will also be able to view another U.S. military aircraft; the B-52 Stratofortress Bomber. Other aircraft, which can be seen at the air show include fighter jets, cargo planes, helicopters and other aviation demonstrations by the Australian military and civilian participants.

Aerial demonstrations and aircraft displays aren't the only things attendees should expect from the show.

Just like JBA's own Joint Service Open House, which is also held May 19 to 20, there will be ground demonstrations for the crowd to enjoy. There will be a military working dog demonstration, a performance by Australia's Federation Guard Precision Drill Team
and the RAAF Band, and an army parachuting display.

This is the first time in more than four years the wing has participated in an international air shows and hopes to continue to provide support to its allies.

"We hope to be able to participate in more air shows," said Davis. "It offers great training for our Airmen and the opportunity to show our tail flash and build relationships with our allies overseas."

Eds. Note [Eds. The spelling Defence is in original document]