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)