CHANGI AIR BASE, Republic of Singapore -- Airmen with the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing traveled to the Singapore Airshow 2020 at Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore, to display the MQ-9 Reaper for international crowds, Feb. 11 - 16, 2020.
This was the first time the MQ-9 Reaper has been on display at Singapore Airshow with the 432nd WG/432nd AEW. The airshow, on the other hand, has been around for seven iterations.
Singapore Airshow is a biennial event and is the largest defense exhibition and international tradeshow in the Pacific.
The United States military put forth a large footprint at Singapore Airshow, showcasing assets from across the Department of Defense for their partner of 50 years.
“The fact that the United States is here, and putting forth as much effort across the Air Force, the Navy, and the Marine Corp, is really a testament, I think to how strong our partnership is with Singapore,” said Col. Geoff Lohmiller, Singapore Airshow 2020 Air Boss.
Aircrew and maintainers with the MQ-9 were at the static display each day in order to share the Reaper’s role in national defense, as well as describe their combat effects in the fight worldwide.
Kelli L. Seybolt, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, met with and coined several U.S. Airmen for their support of Singapore Airshow. Out of the group were several maintainers based out of Creech AFB, as well as one of the sensor operators from the 20th Attack Squadron housed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
From strategic impact of being on the international stage, to the interpersonal impressions left on the Airmen of the 432nd WG/432nd AEW- the Hunters expressed their gratitude for being able to advocate for the mission, as well as being able to view their worth as a piece of the National Defense Strategy.
“It’s been really cool to be [at Singapore Airshow] and see our aircraft be showcased, not as a single unit, but as a piece of the puzzle,” said Senior Airman Drew, specialist with the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “Here I can see the impact I and this weapons system have.”
Though this was the first airshow MQ-9 aircrew and maintainers have attended this year, the Reaper and its team are scheduled to appear at many more throughout the 2020 season.