C-17 arrives in New Zealand
by Tech. Sgt. Cohen A. Young
Defense Media Activity - Hawaii
3/25/2009 - WHENUAPAI AIR BASE, New Zealand (AFNS) -- A C-17 Globemaster III crew of 14 from the 517th Airlift Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived here March 18 for the 2009 Whenuapai Air Show.
This is the first time since 1981 that a U. S. asset is participating in the yearly event, which began March 21, said U. S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence Quevedo, the U.S. Defense Attache Office operations coordinator.
"We're happy to have the opportunity to participate in the show," said Capt. Brett Lent, C-17 demonstration team pilot.
Upon their arrival, the team was welcomed by Group Captain Edward Poot.
"It's a neat privilege for us to see what a C-17 can do," said Group Captain Poot. "We're happy that you're here."
He said he expects between 30,000 and 50,000 people at the air show.
Other allied participation in the air show includes two Royal Australian Air Force F-18 jets. Static displays include a French air force Casa CN-235, an RAAF C-130J and an Australian Dash 8 maritime border patrol aircraft.
Participation by the C-17 in this event enhances bilateral relations between New Zealand and the United States, officials said. The two countries already have been working together for fifty years in the Antarctic studying sedimentary core samples.
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