Preparing for the big show

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • U.S. Air Forces Europe Africa Public Affairs
Pretoria, South Africa --  The thunder can be heard from miles away; it grows louder and louder as it approaches and within minutes the silhouette of an U.S. Air Force HC-130 aircraft can be easily seen in the horizon.

As the aircraft approaches, the back door opens and out comes an all-terrain vehicle and four Guardian Angels parachuting toward the active runway. The four members safely hit the ground, unpack the ATV and with a sense of urgency transport a simulated
casualty to the now taxiing HC-130 for evacuation.

As real world and exciting as this sounds, this is just practice for the Guardian Angels and HC-130 crew as they prepare for the 2011 Air show and Lifestyle Expo at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, South Africa.

"More than 90 U.S. Air Force active duty, Reserve and National Guard members are here to support the South African Air Force in conducting this year's air show," said Col. Mark Loeben, 404th Air Expeditionary Group Commander. "As partners with the SAAF, we are assisting them in meeting their needs for a successful air show."

According to Colonel Loeben, this year's air show at Waterkloof is a trial run for the SAAF, as it is their hope to have a bigger and more robust show in years to come.
"This show will allow them to check procedures, compare what we do to what they do and to integrate our aircraft into their show," said Col. Loeben. "My hope is next year to have a bigger contingent of U.S. Air Force personnel and equipment as part of the air show."

This year's show is scheduled to have three different U.S. Air Force aircraft. The HC-130 Hercules, which will be a static display and then later in the day conduct a fly-by while dropping the Guardian Angels along with equipment and gear. A C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker will also be on static display during the air show. An MC-12 Liberty, a corporate demonstrator aircraft, will be on static display as well.

"I think the most important thing about this air show is the fact that the South Africans came to us asking for us to participate," said Lt. Col. Jim Travis, U.S. Air Force Air show coordinator. "Our relationship with the SAAF is evolving and this is a very positive step forward. They wanted us to come and bring a lot of big metal to test the capabilities of their newly renovated airfield--hence the C-17, KC-135, and HC-130."

Lt. Col. Travis has been working this air show as a full-time job since June 20, 2011 and is anticipating the final product, as more than 50,000 South Africans are expected to attend.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the results of our hard work when the people of Pretoria see our well-maintained aircraft and meet the great ground personnel and aviators who came to Waterkloof," said Lt. Col. Travis. "I think the icing on the cake will be the parachute and equipment drops by the Guardian Angels from the New York Air National Guard."
"The air show takes place as a result of a direct instruction from the Chief of the SAAF," said Brig. Gen. T.S. Madumane, Commanding Officer, Waterkloof Air Force Base. "The SAAF sees the resources contribution of the U.S. Air Force toward the Waterkloof Air show as very impressive in sending through the message that by maximally utilizing and exploiting air assets, the world is really a global village."

He also said the importance of an air show lies in achieving a certain degree of the population understanding that an Air Force is the custodian of ubiquitous assets that a state can utilize in furthering its national interests.

"I consider this air show participation a cornerstone of a growing relationship between the U.S. Air Force and the SAAF," said Col. Loeben. "We hope by participating in this year's air show we are building on that cooperative relationship for future SAAF air shows and exercises to come."

The 2011 Air Show and Lifestyle Expo is scheduled for Oct. 1 at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, South Africa. For more information on the air show and lifestyle exhibits, visit their website at www.waterkloofairshow.co.za.