Once again, the United States is participating in the International Air and Space show, FIDAE 2014, that is taking place in Santiago from March 25 to 30. The U.S. is hosting a trade pavilion comprised of more than 75 exhibitors, representing civil and commercial aviation, defense, homeland security, maintenance, aerospace technologies, and airport services. In addition, delegations from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and Texas Air National Guard are also participating in the event.
The U.S. Air Force brought a C-130 Hercules and a F-16 Falcon Fighter to Chile and Texas Air National Guard pilots will participate in a series of exchange programs with counterparts from Chile’s Air Force (FACH). The exchanges, conducted regularly throughout the year, involve U.S. airmen sharing best practices and procedures to build partnerships and promote interoperability with partner-nation air forces throughout South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
As is a tradition during FIDAE, airmen and support staff of the U.S. Air Force will participate in various community relations activities. Several groups of children from local institutions such as Teleton and the Make a Wish Foundation have been invited to visit the U.S. aircraft at FIDAE escorted by USAF pilots. Also, the crew will visit ailing children at Colegio Hospitalario con Todo Corazon located at Calvo Mackenna Hospital.
