Polish AvDet Activates

LASK AIR BASE, Poland --The 52nd Operations Group, Detachment 1, guidon stands on the flightline during an Aviation Detachment (AV DET) activation ceremony on Lask Air Base, Poland Nov. 9, 2012. The AV DET will be an enduring presence with 10 Airmen, but F-16 and C-130 crews and aircraft will rotate periodically for training, where the total number of personnel could surge up to 250. The AV DET supports Poland's continued defense modernization and standardization with the U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

Polish AvDet Activates

LASK AIR BASE, Poland -- Members of the 52nd Operations Group, Detachment 1, and Spangdahlem Air Base Honor Guard stand in formation during an Aviation Detachment (AV DET) activation ceremony on the flightline at Lask Air Base, Poland, Nov. 9, 2012. The AV DET will be an enduring presence with 10 Airmen, but F-16 and C-130 crews and aircraft will rotate periodically for training, where the total number of personnel could surge up to 250. The AV DET supports Poland's continued defense modernization and standardization with the U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

USAFE Concert Band tours Poland; builds partnerships through music

WARKA, Poland -- Artur Gebski, a local community orchestra conductor, leads the United States Air Forces in Europe Concert Band during a performance in a local community center Nov. 6, 2012. In celebration of his band's 100th year anniversary, Gebski was asked to lead the USAFE Concert Band as a guest conductor during a joint performance of the two bands. The USAFE Concert Band toured Poland to forge new friendships around the country and reinforce bonds between the U.S. and Poland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

EIAMDC officially opens

Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe commander, (left) looks on, as Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, Allied Air Command Ramstein commander, addresses NATO and senior leaders prior to the European Integrated Air and Missile Defense Center ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 26, 2012. The EIAMDC addresses increased education and training requirements driven by a new approach to missile defense and the emerging NATO territorial ballistic missile defense mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tyrona Lawson)

U.S. military inspires South African youth

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- Members of the U.S. military participating in the Africa Aerospace and Defense exposition pose for a picture in front of a C-17 Globe Master III with students from Jerusalem High School after a tour of a C-17 Globe Master III during the Youth Development Program event at the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 21. For many of the children in attendance this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to personally speak to pilots, engineers and other service members involved in aviation from both the South African military and the U.S. military. Partnering with this program gives the U.S. military means to enhance cooperation and capabilities with South Africa while helping to build up future generations here through education and awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

U.S. military inspires South African youth

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- Senior Master Sgt. Dean Carter, 300th Airlift Squadron chief loadmaster from Joint Base Charleston S.C., speaks to students from Jerusalem High School after a tour of a C-17 Globe Master III during the Youth Development Program event at the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 21. According to event organizers, children living in the outskirts of the country were flown into the exposition to participate in the program by the South African military. Enabling those in poor communities to partake in the event and encourage them to become resilient and self-reliant. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

U.S. military inspires South African youth

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- Tech. Sgt. Justin Palmer, 300th Airlift Squadron loadmaster from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., answers questions from Jerusalem High School students in the cock-pit of a C-17 Globe Master III during the Youth Development Program's tour of U.S. military aircraft at the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 21. The program partners U.S. and South African military personnel with youth to develop techniques and empower them both socially and economically. Partnering with this program gives the U.S. military means to enhance cooperation and capabilities with South Africa while helping to build up future generations here through education and awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

U.S. military inspires South African youth

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- Capt. James Cartica Jr., 137th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot from Stewart Air National Guard base in Newburgh, New York, guides Edric Van Rensburg, Port Natal Highschool national essay winner from Durban, through a flight simulator program during the Youth Development Program event at the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 21. U.S. military members worked one-on-one in flight simulators with the children, giving them advice and answering any questions they had. Partnering with this program gives the U.S. military means to enhance cooperation and capabilities with South Africa while helping to build up future generations here through education and awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

U.S. participates in South African Exposition

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jason Cale, U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band lead guitarist and singer, performs for attendents of the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included more than 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. Event coordinators said this was the largest air show in this area in the last five years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

U.S. participates in South African Exposition

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- U.S. Army Sgt. David Bardo, B Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry stryker crew member from Cambridge Springs, PA., explains how the M-1126 Stryker armored vehicle is utilized to Leon Anderson and Lydia Mow, both air show attendees, during the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. The South African and U.S. Air Forces have a long-lasting relationship that was highlighted by the partnership and cooperation between the nations during the event. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included over 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

U.S. participates in South African Exposition

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa -- U.S. Air National Guard Col. Tom McEntee, 105th Operations Group commander from Stewart ANG Base in Newburgh, N.Y., high-fives a little boy after touring a C-17 Globemaster III during the 2012 South Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event which filled seven hangars with displays and included more than 90 aircraft, land vehicles and watercraft. Event coordinators said this was the largest air show in this area in the last five years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

Air National Guard commander show cases C-17 at international airshow

Maj. Gen. Verle Johnston, the New York Air National Guard commander (left) and Col. Thomas McEntee, C-17 pilot and 105th Airlift Wing Operations Group commander discuss the C-17 Globemaster III’s capabilities with Col. Jurgens Prinsloo, commanding officer of the South African Air Force’s 28th Squadron (center), Sept. 20. The unit is part of a U.S. military contingent displaying aircraft and equipment during the Africa Aerospace and Defense Airshow and Exhibition at the South Africa National Defense Force’s Waterkloof Air Force Base. (U.S. Army photo/Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo)

Touch N Go shares music with South Africa

VANDERBIJLPARK, South Africa -- Tech Sgt. Nick Wellman, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band, Touch 'n Go audio technichian, monitors the sound board while other members of the band perform for students and instructors of the Northern University here, Sept. 19. The band, Touch 'n Go, has made three performances in local communities across South Africa and has been invited to perform at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. This year’s exposition is one of the world’s premier aerospace and defense events, which is expected to draw in crowds of more than 50,000 visitors per day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

Touch N Go shares music with South Africa

CULLINAN, South Africa -- Staff Sgt. Robert Browning, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band drummer, thanks children from the Cullinan Field Band after performing a joint drum solo during a performance here, Sept. 18. The band, Touch 'N Go, performed three shows in communities across South Africa and will be performing at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

Touch N Go shares music with South Africa

VANDERBIJLPARK, South Africa -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band, Touch 'n Go, performs during a show for students and instructors at Northern University here, Sept. 19. The band, Touch 'n Go, has made three performances in local communities across South Africa and will be performing at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. The band is committed to fortifying international relationships, fostering trust and friendships, and enhancing troop morale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)

Michigan Air National Guard Joins Forces for International Airshow

U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Donald H. Gips meets with Michigan Air National Guard KC-135T Stratotanker aircraft commander, Lt. Col. Paul Beck (left) to learn about the aircrafts mission and capabilities during the opening day of the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Airshow and Exhibition, Sept. 19. (Photo/Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo)

Changing lives through music

CULLINAN, South Africa -- Boy Boshiane, Field Band Foundation band coordinator, plays the drums after a performance by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band, Touch 'n Go here, Sept. 18. The Field Band Foundation is a private organization that has a goal of educating children within the local community on making good decisions, creativity, music and dance and other important life skills. The foundation aims to keep children away from negative influences and encourage them to be successful in life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

Changing lives through music

CULLINAN, South Africa -- A student of the De Beers PPC Cullinan field band, records Tech. Sgt. Jason Cale, U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band lead guitarist and vocalist, on their BlackBerry during a performance here, Sept. 18. The Field Band Foundation is a private organization that has a goal of educating children within the local community on making good decisions, creativity, music and dance and other important life skills. The band, Touch 'n Go, helped bring awareness to the foundation which aims to keep children away from negative influences and encourage them to be successful in life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

Changing lives through music

CULLINAN, South Africa -- Tech. Sgt. Jason Cale, U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band lead guitarist and vocalist, performs a guitar in front of children from the local community here, Sept. 18. The band, Touch ‘n Go, is here as part of a group of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines supporting the Africa Aerospace and Defense Trade show at Air Force Base Waterkloof from Sept. 19-23. As part of their stay, the band visited local communities strengthening the partnership between South Africa and the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

Changing lives through music

CULLINAN, South Africa -- The U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band, Touch 'n Go, performs a concert as children from the local community watch here, Sept. 18. Touch ‘n Go is here as part of a group of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines supporting the Africa Aerospace and Defense Trade show at Air Force Base Waterkloof from Sept. 19-23. As part of their stay, the band visited local communities strengthening the partnership between South Africa and the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

Changing lives through music

CULLINAN, South Africa -- Enoch Rumo, Cullinan Field Band melody steel drumer, rehearses before a performance from Touch 'n Go, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band, here, Sept. 18. The Field Band Foundation is a private organization that has a goal of educating children within the local community on making good decisions, creativity, music and dance and other important life skills. Touch 'n Go helped attract attention to the foundation which aims to keep children away from negative influences and encourage them to be successful in life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

USAFE, AFAFRICA, CFC, Breedlove, COMUSAFE

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Gen. Phillip M. Breedlove, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa commander, turns in his Combined Federal Campaign contribution form to Capt. Angelica Hawrysiak, USAFE Headquarters Staff CFC representative. General Breedlove was the first person in USAFE to contribute to the CFC, setting the example for those he leads. The CFC is the world’s most successful annual workplace charity campaign and helps raise money for eligible nonprofit organizations throughout the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)

ILA 2012 features US military aircraft

BERLIN - Members of the German air force move a USAFE C-21 aircraft while setting up the ILA 2012 Berlin Air Show here Sept. 10. More than 300,000 visitors from across the world are expected to visit ILA 2012 Sept. 11-16. ILA 2012 is an international event hosted by Germany. More than 50 U.S. military personnel from bases in Europe and the United States were on site to showcase the various U.S. military aircraft and equipment on display. The U.S. aircraft featured at ILA 2012 were the UH-60 Black Hawk, UH-72A Lakota, F-16C Fighting Falcon, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-130 Hercules. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tabitha Lee)

ILA 2012 features US military aircraft

BERLIN - Trade show patrons from across the world visited the Berlin Air Show, commonly known as ILA 2012, to view more than 300 aircraft to include a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston AFB, N.C. here Sept. 11. ILA 2012 is an international event hosted by Germany. More than 50 U.S. military personnel from bases in Europe and the United States were on site to showcase the various U.S. military aircraft and equipment on display. The U.S. aircraft featured at ILA 2012 were the UH-60 Black Hawk, UH-72A Lakota, F-16C Fighting Falcon, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-130 Hercules. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tabitha Lee)