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Japan Squadrons Support Singapore Air Show

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060301-11
Release Date: 3/1/2006 10:21:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) Kathryn Whittenberger, Logistics Group Western Pacific Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 and VFA 102 participated in Asian Aerospace 2006, the biggest air show in Asia, held in Singapore, Feb. 21–26.

The two Navy squadrons are the only Super Hornet squadrons forward deployed in the Pacific. VFA-27 flies the F/A–18 E, piloted by one person. VFA-102 flies the F/A–18 F, a two-seater jet. Both planes can be configured for a multitude of missions, such as fighter, attack and fueler.

“Exposure to the Super Hornet is limited in this part of the world,” said Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Rich, a pilot of the F/A–18E from VFA-27, the Royal Maces. “The Navy tries to support air shows like this as long as there is no impact on operations or training.”

The air show, which featured the jets as part of a static display, was a break for both crews, which flew to Guam to begin another set of workups.

“It’s a good experience,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Jerrod Ishii of 102, the Diamondbacks. “An air show is something not everyone gets to be a part of in their career.”

Throughout the show, the 11 Sailors who participated educated the public about the capabilities of the F/A-18, as well as posed for pictures and sold squadron souvenirs.

Asian Aerospace included 21 national pavilions and more than 930 exhibitors from 43 countries, which was a 20 percent increase over the 2004 show. This is the event’s final year in Singapore before moving to a larger venue, and it was the biggest show in its 25-year history. More than 27,000 trade visitors entered the show during the four industry days, with twice that many coming during each day that was open to the public.

Approximately 100 U.S. military personnel supported Asian Aerospace. Various models of U.S. military aircraft, including F-16 Falcon, F-15C Eagle, F-15E Eagle, F/A-18E Super Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-130 Hercules and B1B Lancer, from throughout U.S. Pacific Command area took part in static displays and aerial demonstrations, showcasing the wide range of airpower in the U.S. military inventory.

VFA-27 and VFA-102 are forward deployed to Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan.