New York Guardsmen at South African Air Show

More than 70 members of the New York National Guard are at this week’s Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition at Air Force Base Ysterplaat in Cape Town, South Africa. The contingent includes 25 airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach on Long Island who will participate in the show and conduct military-to-military activities with South African defense forces. The Air Guard wing also sent one of its HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters. The state also dispatched one of its Army OH-58 Kiowa Scout helicopters. The New York Guard has as ongoing relationship with the South African National Defence Force under the Guard’s State Partnership Program. Participating in the exposition is regarded as one means to strengthen the relationship, said Army Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, joint staff director for the New York Guard. (Latham release)