Final performance in Brunei is historic first for Misawa crew

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marie Brown
  • 35th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM --  Two F-16 Fighting Falcons and aircrew assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base, Japan, along with a C-17 Globemaster III and aircrew assigned to the 15th Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii performed their final aerial and ground show in Brunei Darussalam as the the 3rd Biennial Brunei Darussalam International Defense Exhibition came to a close July 9.

Over the last four days, both teams were given the opportunity to perform for His Royal Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, the Crown Princes and Princess and the Ministry of Defense.

"The Demo Team's participation in BRIDEX 2011 was a great opportunity to become immersed in a fascinating culture and make a lot of new friends in the international community, said Master Sgt. Bruce Wark, PACAF Demo Team superintendent. It was also the perfect venue to showcase the outstanding maintenance practices of our technicians through four F-16 demonstration flights over the course of the four-day trade show."

This year's BRIDEX offered people a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of the world's defense organizations, ranging from complex flying maneuvers to the strength-of-defense missions that are part of the air and land demonstrations.

"BRIDEX is not just about showcasing technological capability in itself," said Brig. Gen. Haji Jafri Bin Haji Abdullah, Royal Brunei Air Force commander. "It is also about bringing the region to focus upon and address security challenges that are relevant to the priorities of the nations in this part of the world."

More than 11,000 people were given the opportunity to take a closer look at the innovations that bolster modern military technology.

For their final show, both U.S. Air Force teams put on an exceptional show for the local media and spectators, who also got to take an up-close look at the aircraft on display.

"It has been an honor to be here representing the United States during BRIDEX 2011, said Staff Sgt. Thomas Fleming, 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief. This has been an exceptional and rewarding opportunity for everyone to be able to experience a whole new culture."

The next BRIDEX event will take place in 2013. Members of the 35th FW are hoping to attend future exhibitions.

For more imagery on BRIDEX 2011 go to http://www.misawa.af.mil/photos/slideshow.asp?id={5FA59B51-319F-4AD9-BEB3-7ED31108F611}