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An F-22 Raptor performs a capabilities demonstration during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. At this year’s airshow the U.S. Department of Defense featured a flyby of the B-52H Stratofortress, a C-17 Globemaster III aerial demonstration, the M142 HIMARS, AH-64 Apache, F-22 Raptor, three different aircraft from the tanker fleet, a C-5M Super Galaxy and many more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

An F-22 Raptor performs a capabilities demonstration during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. At this year’s airshow the U.S. Department of Defense featured a flyby of the B-52H Stratofortress, a C-17 Globemaster III aerial demonstration, the M142 HIMARS, AH-64 Apache, F-22 Raptor, three different aircraft from the tanker fleet, a C-5M Super Galaxy and many more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. George Fagan, F-22 Raptor Demo Team commentator, speaks to the crowd about the F-22s capabilities during an aerial demonstration at the during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. AVALON 23 is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting aviation and aerospace professions, key defense personnel, aviation enthusiasts and the general public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. George Fagan, F-22 Raptor Demo Team commentator, speaks to the crowd about the F-22s capabilities during an aerial demonstration at the during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. AVALON 23 is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting aviation and aerospace professions, key defense personnel, aviation enthusiasts and the general public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Spectators watch and take photos during the F-22 Raptor aerial demonstration at the during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through events such as AVALON 23. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

Spectators watch and take photos during the F-22 Raptor aerial demonstration at the during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through events such as AVALON 23. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • An F-22 Raptor performs a capabilities demonstration during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. At this year’s airshow the U.S. Department of Defense featured a flyby of the B-52H Stratofortress, a C-17 Globemaster III aerial demonstration, the M142 HIMARS, AH-64 Apache, F-22 Raptor, three different aircraft from the tanker fleet, a C-5M Super Galaxy and many more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

    US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

    An F-22 Raptor performs a capabilities demonstration during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. At this year’s airshow the U.S. Department of Defense featured a flyby of the B-52H Stratofortress, a C-17 Globemaster III aerial demonstration, the M142 HIMARS, AH-64 Apache, F-22 Raptor, three different aircraft from the tanker fleet, a C-5M Super Galaxy and many more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. George Fagan, F-22 Raptor Demo Team commentator, speaks to the crowd about the F-22s capabilities during an aerial demonstration at the during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. AVALON 23 is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting aviation and aerospace professions, key defense personnel, aviation enthusiasts and the general public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

    US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

    U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. George Fagan, F-22 Raptor Demo Team commentator, speaks to the crowd about the F-22s capabilities during an aerial demonstration at the during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. AVALON 23 is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting aviation and aerospace professions, key defense personnel, aviation enthusiasts and the general public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • Spectators watch and take photos during the F-22 Raptor aerial demonstration at the during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through events such as AVALON 23. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

    US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

    Spectators watch and take photos during the F-22 Raptor aerial demonstration at the during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 5, 2023. Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through events such as AVALON 23. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
AVALON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Australia --  

A sea of spectators begins to stand, creating a wave effect; they’re there to watch a show—and that’s exactly what they’ll get. One by one they turn their phones to camera mode to capture one of the U.S. Air Force’s most lethal aircraft in its element.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew performs an aerial demonstration at the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 3, 2023. AVALON 23 is the premier aerospace exhibition—airshow and tradeshow—in Australia and offers a venue to deepen our relationship with Australia and enhance regional security through expanded military-to-military cooperation with countries in the region. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force and is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew performs an aerial demonstration at the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 3, 2023. AVALON 23 is the premier aerospace exhibition—airshow and tradeshow—in Australia and offers a venue to deepen our relationship with Australia and enhance regional security through expanded military-to-military cooperation with countries in the region. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force and is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
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The F-22 Raptor was one of the many aerial demonstrations for the Australian International Aerospace & Defence Exposition and Airshow—AVALON 2023, Feb. 28 through March 5, where roughly 172,000 people attended over the course of six days.

At this year’s airshow the U.S. Department of Defense featured the B-52H Stratofortress, C-17 Globemaster III, M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, AH-64 Apache, F-22 Raptor, three different aircraft from the tanker fleet, a C-5M Super Galaxy, and many more. 

“We were honored to participate in AVALON with an array of aerial and static displays,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Henry Schantz, AVALON 23 air boss. “This event isn’t just another airshow for us. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate our steadfast relationship with Australia, highlight the importance of our strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and showcase our coalition personnel and equipment for the 100 plus thousand people attending this event each day.”

AVALON 23 is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting aviation and aerospace professions, key defense personnel, aviation enthusiasts and the general public.

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender pilot discusses the capabilities of the aircraft with event volunteers during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 2, 2023. The Department of Defense supported AVALON 23 with approximately 300 personnel and a number of various aircraft to include the F-22 Raptor, KC-46 Pegasus, C-17 Globemaster III, AH-64 Apache, M142 HIMARS among many others. The KC-10 is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender pilot discusses the capabilities of the aircraft with event volunteers during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 2, 2023. The Department of Defense supported AVALON 23 with approximately 300 personnel and a number of various aircraft to include the F-22 Raptor, KC-46 Pegasus, C-17 Globemaster III, AH-64 Apache, M142 HIMARS among many others. The KC-10 is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

“International airshows are so important because it allows us to show solidarity to our partners and Allies,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. George Fagan, F-22 Raptor Demo Team announcer. “Australia has been one of the longest standing Allies to the United States and it’s awesome to work together to pull off a challenge like [an aerial demonstration]. Airshows are not inherently easy to execute; with personnel, equipment and aircraft moving from all over the world, but they provide great opportunities for nations to work together and overcome obstacles.”

From the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Taiko Drum Team performing for hundreds of on-lookers in front of their Kawasaki C-2 Transport Aircraft, to the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles aerobatic display, there was no shortage of static, and aerial displays of airpower to take in.

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Hawaii performs a song in front of the KC-46 Pegasus static display at the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 4, 2023. Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through events such as AVALON 23. Through the power and energy of music, the Band of the Pacific’s impressive performances create engaging moments that serve as a demonstration of the excellence displayed by the 46,000 Airmen serving, stationed and deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Hawaii performs a song in front of the KC-46 Pegasus static display at the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 4, 2023. Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through events such as AVALON 23. Through the power and energy of music, the Band of the Pacific’s impressive performances create engaging moments that serve as a demonstration of the excellence displayed by the 46,000 Airmen serving, stationed and deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
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With its tail standing at 65 feet tall, the C-5 from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware stood as a beacon for attendees.

“People were generally amazed at the size of the aircraft and its capabilities,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Scott McCoy, C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft commander. “Our jet funneled everyone from the airshow to the Air Mobility Command display, so at least 90 percent of the attendees got to experience walking through the largest cargo plane in the Air Force inventory.”

This six-day event also falls in line with the 2nd anniversary of the trilateral security partnership of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—AUKUS—which seeks to deepen and modernize our relationships with two key Allies, bolster international security, and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

Thuhina Arachchige, from Melbourne, tours the KC-10 Extender with his parents during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 4, 2023. The Department of Defense supported AVALON 23 with approximately 300 personnel and a number of various aircraft to include the F-22 Raptor, KC-46 Pegasus, C-17 Globemaster III, AH-64 Apache, M142 HIMARS among many others. The KC-10 is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

Thuhina Arachchige, from Melbourne, tours the KC-10 Extender with his parents during the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 4, 2023. The Department of Defense supported AVALON 23 with approximately 300 personnel and a number of various aircraft to include the F-22 Raptor, KC-46 Pegasus, C-17 Globemaster III, AH-64 Apache, M142 HIMARS among many others. The KC-10 is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
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The U.S. is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region, and this event reaffirms the U.S. presence.

AVALON is held biennially and AVALON 23 is the 15th iteration, allowing generations of industry and defense representatives and tourists alike to experience the true power of partnerships, alliances, airpower and community.

The full list of United States AVALON 23 displays:

  • F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
  • C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
  • B-52H Stratofortress from Barksdale, Louisiana
  • F-15 Eagles from Kadena Air Base, Japan
  • C-5M Super Galaxy from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware
  • KC-135 Stratotanker from Sioux City, Iowa
  • KC-46 Pegasus from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas
  • KC-10 Extender from Travis Air Force Base, California
  • AH-64 Apache from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
  • UH-60 Black Hawk from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
  • HIMARS from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

 

The B-52H Stratofortress flies over the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 4, 2023. The B-52s participation demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s focus on region security, stability and support for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

The B-52H Stratofortress flies over the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 4, 2023. The B-52s participation demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s focus on region security, stability and support for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Gunderson, F-22 Raptor demo pilot, interacts with spectators after a demonstration at the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 4, 2023. Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through events such as AVALON 23. The F-22 is a combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)

US brings airpower, community to Australia airshow

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Gunderson, F-22 Raptor demo pilot, interacts with spectators after a demonstration at the 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition—AVALON 23—at Avalon International Airport, March 4, 2023. Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through events such as AVALON 23. The F-22 is a combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res