Pacific Air Forces showcased USAF airpower for the first time in the country of Brunei, flying demonstrations during the Brunei Darussalam International Defense Exhibition. An F-16 from PACAF’s demonstration team at Misawa AB, Japan, graced the crowd with daily performances throughout the week-long event, July 2-9. A C-17 from the 15th Wing at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, performed a fly-by and was also on static display. The demonstration team also put on a ground show and had an F-16 static display. “We are honored and excited to be a part of BRIDEX 2011, especially during the 50th anniversary of the Brunei Defense Force,” said Maj. Mike Pasquino, C-17 demonstration pilot. “It has been an outstanding opportunity to work with our Pacific partners,” he added. Estimates were that more than 150 international delegations attended this year’s event. (Brunei report by SSgt. Marie Brown)
Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held meetings with defense leaders from the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea during a trip to the Indo-Pacific this week.