Aircraft, temperatures continue to soar at Moscow air show

  • Published
  • By By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAMENSKOYE AIRFIELD, Zhukovsky, Russia --  With temperatures well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the Moscow International Air Show opened to the general public on its fourth day. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Gen. Tom Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, visited the show opening day. Following the general's press conference, the two met. 

U.S. Air Force members from RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath; Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany; Aviano Air Base, Italy; McChord Air Force Base, Wash.; Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; and Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., participated. 

Most were pilots, aircrew or maintainers, but there were also 15 security forces troops - 11 from Spangdahlem, two from Lakenheath and two from Aviano - who provided round-the-clock security for the U.S. Air Force aircraft. 

Aircraft from all over the world were used as static displays, and there were daily flying demonstrations, including one from "F-15 West," the Air Force team from Eglin, which flew one of Lakenheath's three F-15s during their portion of the show. 

"The best part about being here is interacting with the Russian people and getting to see how friendly they are and how interested they are in America," said Capt. Brent Toth, from the 100th Air Refueling Wing. "The No. 1 question I've been asked is how I like Moscow. I tell them Moscow is a beautiful city and the people have been very nice to us." 

Captain Toth participated in the Paris Air Show earlier this year and said this show has a different feel. 

"There are a lot more Russian aircraft here, and it's busier for a lot longer," he said in reference to the crowd on Saturday, which was the busiest day of the show. 

Almost everyone - both American and Russian - has had nothing but positive comments about the U.S. Air Force members who participated. U.S. servicemembers used an interpreter to speak with thousands of people, shaking their hands, and having their photo taken with everyone who asked. 

"The fact that we're here at [the show] is good for government-to-government relations. But what we're doing while we're here, with all the people, showing them the planes and taking pictures with them, is good for people-to-people relationships," said Lt. Col. Eric Nelsen, Russia desk officer for the Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs office. 
"It has been a really positive experience. We've shown our Airmen in their best light, and we've seen the best of the Russian people too." 

About 50 "Moscow Children" visited the show Aug. 23, and they took part in the day's activities, which included seeing the U.S. Air Force aircraft. 

The children, whose ages ranged from 6 to 16, visited the show as part of a program called Moscow Open Festival for Children's Creativity. They were all born during previous air shows, and all are from nearby towns.