News

C-17 impresses in any language

  • Published
In contrast to the old, no-longer-usable aircraft left to rust, guests soon find themselves in the shadow of a C-17 Globemaster, courtesy of the 446th Airlift Wing. Welcome to The Moscow International Aviation and Space Salon. 

The air show in Russia Aug. 21-26 is one of the premier events of its type in the world. U.S. participation demonstrates our commitment to international security, promotes international cooperation and contributes to U.S. foreign policy objectives, according to officials at U.S. Air Forces in Europe. 

About 65 airmen from bases in Europe and the United States were part of this year's air show. 

Eight Reservists, six aircrew and two maintainers, from the 446th AW brought the McChord C-17 to Moscow. 

All the U.S. Airmen spoke with many thousands of people during the duration of the air show, talking with them through an interpreter, shaking their hands, and having their photo taken, including Maj. John Bowser, 313th AS pilot. 

"It's been an excellent experience. I went to college during the '80s, when we [Russia and America] were enemies, and to now be friends and to be able to see these [Russian] aircraft up close -- which I never thought I'd see in real life -- was fantastic," said Major Bowser. 

This year celebrates 200 years of diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States, and the major said, given both countries' history of animosity, he thinks it's great to "show the flag and show that we have a cooperative relationship now. (USAFE staff report)