445 AW participates in RAF Air Tattoo

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jose A. Cardenas
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Aircrews from the 89th Airlift Squadron, members of the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and support personnel embarked across the pond to participate in the 41st Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Fairford, Gloucestershire, England, where they showcased the C-17 Globemaster III and AES missions July 7.

The Air Tattoo is one of the world's largest air shows encompassing military aviators and aircraft from across the globe demonstrating their capabilities in an unrivalled spectacle and aviator camaraderie past, present and future.

"We are proud to be here. We absolutely love having the chance to represent Air Force Reserve Command. As the newest C-17 unit, we are tremendously excited to show off our newest aircraft. This gives us the opportunity to show the rest of the world what Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is doing," said Lt. Col. Steve Schnell, 445 AW Operations Group chief of current operations.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust which, in turn, awards grants in support of the RAF family, including serving personnel and Air Cadets. With more than 130,000 in attendance and 300 aircraft taking part, this event is truly a collaborative effort. The Royal International Air Tattoo is supported by an army of 2,170 volunteers working to get 54 countries together and the multitude of visitors to the event to make it a success.

"We've got about 2,500 volunteers. You (United States) lend us the airfield, we man the control tower and fuel trucks. This event is what aircraft enthusiasts love, and it thrills the crowd. We are so honored the United States Air Force sends the B-52, C-5, C-17, KC-135, F-15 and all manner of airplanes to support this event," said Tim Prince, Chief Executive for the RAF Charitable Trust, Royal International Air Tattoo.

Members of the 445 AES not only participated in the Air Tattoo by answering questions and conducting demonstrations for the crowds, they also used the flight time to train for their medical flight requirements (their core tasks to be conducted semi-annually in order to deploy).

For flight nurse Capt. Lisa Mugg of the 445 AES, the event was one she'll never forget.

"The air show has been unbelievable. There were a lot of people asking a lot of questions about what we do as AE on the aircraft - bringing back wounded or sick troops. All ages were very interested, and everyone was very friendly and very hospitable. They were very interested in our aircraft, our mission and in us. It was such a wonderful opportunity to participate in this event."

Visitors to The Royal International Air Tattoo experienced more than two miles of static aircraft, interactive activities and ground exhibitions with an opportunity to see aircraft from around the globe. This event also provided the opportunity for air crew members to meet, share stories and enjoy the camaraderie.

"It's an opportunity for hundreds of different aircraft from dozens of countries to come out and show the community on a large scale what some of the capabilities are and more importantly, bring together good international relations," added Schnell.

The excitement of The Royal International Air Tattoo allowed aviation enthusiasts of all ages, from all over the world to be thrilled and inspired by experiencing the aircraft and the air crews at their finest.

"Over the years the spirit of the aviators who have come has been quite exceptional - crew members from other countries telling stories, having a good time. We're very much the United Nations of the Air - like minded aviators coming together being friends and loving aviation and that's what we're all about. It's a big show and it's wonderful - it's aviation!" Tim Prince, Chief Executive Royal International Air Tattoo, stated.