RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom (AFNS) —
One of many largest air exhibits on the planet has returned and featured a particular tribute this yr to the U.S. Air Pressure because it approaches its seventy fifth anniversary. The Royal Worldwide Air Tattoo was held at RAF Fairford, July 15-17.
Airmen and plane from across the globe, together with the best army and civilian leaders from the U.S. Air and Area Forces, got here collectively for the 2022 occasion. RIAT showcased the traditionally shut ties between American and British air companies by together with a particular tribute in honor of the U.S. Air Pressure’s anniversary.
“Having the Division of the Air Pressure’s seventy fifth Anniversary acknowledged at RIAT is really an honor and exhibits the depth of the DAF and RAF’s particular partnership,” mentioned Secretary of the Air Pressure Frank Kendall. “For the final 75 years, our two nice air forces have labored facet by facet in protection of our nice nations and our shared values.”
Becoming a member of Kendall on the occasion had been Air Pressure Chief of Employees Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chief of Area Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond. Their appearances additional underscored the Air and Area Forces’ dedication to the UK, NATO, and transatlantic safety, the officers mentioned.
Going down after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Kendall and different senior leaders mentioned the occasion stays an emblem of the Division of the Air Pressure’s dedication to serving to make sure the safety of Europe and sustaining the traditionally sturdy alliance with Britain and different allies throughout Europe.
“Occasions like RIAT and our multilateral and NATO workout routines permit us to interact with a number of companions and allies concurrently,” Raymond mentioned. “These occasions not solely assist us to benefit from our time but additionally permit us a big discussion board to study from one another.”
This yr’s occasion introduced a large number of U.S. Air Pressure plane, together with the CV-22B Osprey, E-4B, KC-135R Stratotanker, KC-46A Pegasus, F-16CM Preventing Falcon, F-35A Lightning II, MC-130J Commando II, U-2S Dragon Girl and F-15E Strike Eagle.
“Our Airmen, previous and current, are indispensable teammates to our allies and companions,” Brown mentioned. “Having the chance to showcase our plane and Airmen at air exhibits like RIAT offers our allies and their nations a glance into the unimaginable drive that’s the U.S. Air Pressure. We stay up for taking part in RIAT for years to come back.”
Whereas RIAT relies in Europe, it has turn into a world discussion board with key allies and companions from a wide range of areas. The senior leaders took the chance to interact counterparts from their respective Air and Area Forces to incorporate Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. Dialogue matters ranged from elevated interoperability to participation in upcoming workout routines.
Additionally in attendance had been the Royal Jordanian Air Pressure, the Kuwait Air Pressure, the Royal Air Pressure of Oman and the Qatar Emiri Air Pressure.
The Royal Worldwide Air Tattoo was first held in 1971, attracting 100 plane. In the present day, it’s thought of the biggest army airshow on the planet and attracts an estimated 170,000 spectators. The U.S. Air Pressure has performed an element in a few of its most notable moments, together with in 1997 when an Air Pressure B-2 Spirit stealth bomber was displayed and landed for the primary time exterior of the U.S.
Beginning the day after RIAT concluded, the week-long Farnborough Worldwide Air Present was held in Farnborough, England, with U.S. Air Pressure participation additional showcasing the service’s dedication to worldwide allies and companions.
