Congressional delegation visits pilots, aircrew prior to Paris Air Show

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amaani Lyle
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
PARIS (USAFENS) --  Capitol Hill intersected with the flightline June 11 when government officials from Washington arrived in Paris to wish pilots, maintainers and other aircrew well before the 46th Paris Air Show 2005 which runs June 13-19.

Sen. Ted Stevens, R-AK, Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, met with officer and enlisted members of Army, Navy and Air Force active duty and Reserves to personally thank them for their efforts in the bi-annual event, as well as to get a first-hand look at the new technology to be showcased at Le Bourget Exposition Park during the week.

The air show allows traders, exhibitors and non-professional aeronautical enthusiasts to see and display a variety of aircraft and components spanning more than 50,000 square meters of runway and indoor exhibition space.

Senator Stevens, who arrived with a congressional delegation of U.S. employers, described the Department of Defense’s UH-60 helicopter, F-16 fighter jet, C-17 and C-130J cargo plane displays as “awesome.” He also expressed enthusiasm for the United States’ prominence in aviation.

“It’s great to see these aircraft here,” Senator Stevens said. “I think it’s wonderful to let the public get an idea of how capable our new systems are.”

Five exhibition halls containing millions of dollars in aircraft and thousands of spectators are expected during the week, said Lt. Col. Patricia Cloud, chief of Air Force affairs overseas, U.S. Embassy in Paris.

Eight U.S. aircraft are scheduled for static display at the show and three are scheduled for demonstration flights. U.S. military members who participate in the air show will provide aircrew, maintenance and administrative support services.

In addition to about 125 support people, equipment from bases in Europe and the United States will be at the event.

One of the support people, U.S. Army Private 1st Class Jeff Ballew, a UH-60 crewchief stationed Giebelstadt, Germany, seemed excited about the chance to see other aircraft at the show.

"I'm looking forward to seeing some of the technology and gadgets from other parts of the world. This is going to be great fun," PFC Ballew said.

Senator Stevens will participate in the Paris Air Show’s opening June 13.