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Airmen kick off part two of Falcon Condor 2007

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson
  • 12th Air Force Public Affairs and Air Forces Southern
CHICLAYO, Peru (AFNEWS) --  A crowd of more than 15,000 Peruvians watched in amazement as the skies above Las Palmas Air Force Base in Lima, Peru, were filled with Peruvian and U.S. aircraft during a joint air show that kicked off here Feb. 17.

The air show, Falcon Condor 2007, is in addition to a joint exercise that took place here earlier this week that allows the U.S. military to build relations with military and civilian leaders of Peru.

"The air show has been going absolutely fantastic," said Col. Todd Harmer, the air boss for the U.S. team here for Falcon Condor. "We've had some fantastic demonstrations, and everyone seems to be really enjoying the show."

Air Force aircraft participating in the two-day air show are the C-130 Hercules, E-3 Sentry, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-1B Lancer and C-17 Globemaster III, along with the Peruvian MiG 29 and Mirage 2000.

Cheers emerged from the crowd as aircraft from both the U.S. and Peru soared through the skies with dynamic twist and turns.

As part of the air show, a team of 13 Peruvian special forces jumped from a U.S. C-130 waving the U.S. flag to symbolize the bond between the United States and Peru.

The 150 Airmen participating in the air show were greeted with great applause and spent time talking and interacting with the Peruvian crowd during the air show.

The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest, from Port Hueneme Naval Station, Calif., was also in attendance to provide music and entertainment to the Peruvian audience. The seven-member band, which plays a key role in cultivating positive relations with many communities interacting with Air Force units, are playing an ensemble of Dixieland music during the air show.

The awe-stricken crowd was very happy about the joint air show and thankful for the U.S. participation.

"The air show is wonderful," said Roxana Sayas, a Peruvian mother who brought her family of four to the event. "It is very nice of you to come to our country."

The Falcon Condor 2007 air show is the first of the year for Airmen from the 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern. The joint exercise and air show directly supports the U.S. Southern Command's engagement goals and furthers relations between allied nations.