105th Airlift Wing Participating in South African Aerospace and Defense Show

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New York Army National Guard Soldiers unload an OH-58 helicopter from an Air Force C-5 during the 2010 African Aerospace and Defense Show at Air Force Base Waterkloof .

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURGH, NY (09/11/2014)(readMedia)-- The New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing will send a C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane to the largest air show and defense exhibit in Africa this weekend.

Two members of the aircrew heading to South Africa will be available to speak to reporters this afternoon.

The plane will also carry a New York Army National Guard RQ-7 "Shadow" unmanned aerial vehicle and 13 members of the Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team to be part of the African Aerospace and Defense 2014 trade and air show at Air Force Base Waterkloof outside Pretoria, South Africa.

This is the third time the wing has participated in the air show as part of the New York National Guard's partnership program with the South African National Defense Force.

WHO: Major Mark Cotton and Tech Sgt. Jeff Burke will be available to speak to reporters about the 105th Airlift Wing's participation in this event. Cotton is the aircraft commander and Burke is the loadmaster.

WHAT: A media opportunity for reporters to ask questions about the wing's participation in the African Aerospace and Defense 2014 event.

WHEN: 1.45 p.m., Thursday Sept. 11, 2014 (Stewart Air National Guard Base front gate)

WHERE: Flight-Line Ramp, Stewart Air National Guard Base, 1 Maguire Way, Newburgh, NY

Coverage Opportunity

Interviews with members Major Mark Cotton and Tech Sgt. Jeff Burke about the 105th Airlift Wing participation in the South African air show on the runway ramp at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Major Alvin Phillips from the New York National Guard Public Affairs Office , who will be part of the air show delegation and participate in exchange activities, will also be on hand to talk about the New York National Guard's South African partnership.

Members of the press wishing to participate in this media opportunity should contact Tech Sgt. Michael O'Halloran at 105aw.publicaffairs@ang.af.mil for access to this secure military facility.

BACKGROUND

The New York Army and Air National Guard will send a C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane, an RQ-7 "Shadow" unmanned aerial vehicle, and 16 Soldiers and Airmen to participate in an air show in at South African's Air Force Base Waterkloof Sept. 17-21.

The C-17 is one of eight operated by the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing based at Stewart Air National Guard Base outside Newburgh, New York. The C-17 is a strategic airlifter that can fly world-wide and land in forward operating areas if necessary.

The RQ-7 Shadow is one of four operated by the New York Army National Guard's 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. The Shadow is used by Army troops to provide reconnaissance for the troops of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The detachment is based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport.

Four soldiers –two RQ-7 pilots and two RQ-7 maintainers-will accompany the aircraft.

Both the C-17 and the RQ-7 will be on display during the African Aerospace and Defense trade show and air show which is held at Waterkloof every other year. The event is described as the premier exhibition of air, sea and land technologies on the African continent.

The New York National Guard is aligned with the South African National Defence Force through the National Guard's State Partnership Program.

The State Partnership Program is a National Guard initiative that encourages relationships, enhances international security and builds capacity across all levels of society with developing nations. Each state and territorial National Guard is partnered with the military of a developing friendly nation.

New York's partnership with the Republic of South Africa was initiated in 2003. Since then New York National Guard has been sending military visitors to South Africa and hosting military and civilian visitors in return.

The New York National Guard has participated in the Air Show in 2004, 2010 and 2012.

The New York Air National Guard C-17 will also bring 13 members of the Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team to the air show.

The Golden Knights are the Army's demonstration and competition parachute team. Team members are drawn from the top Airborne Soldiers in the Army.

Along with participating in the Air Show, New York National Guard officers will be taking part in other exchange activities with the South African National Defense Force in September.

An Army and Air Guard officer will be participating in a Border Surveillance and Anti-Poaching Technology Cooperation Symposium. The meeting will address threats to South Africa's borders and wildlife, how technology can be used to address those issues, and how American and South African business and industry can work together to find solutions.

Two Army National Guard officers will also participate in a conference on how members of South Africa's reserve forces and employers can work together.

The United States has clearly defined laws and rules outlining the obligation of reserve military members and employers to each other. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization also works to resolve issues between reservists and employers.

The two New York National Guard officers will outline how the United States does things as part of the discussion.