SAVANNAH, Ga., - The 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard represented the state and the Air National Guard at the 2010 Royal International Air Tattoo, held at Royal Air Force Base Fairford this summer.
The C-130H unit, located here at Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, sent one of their eight aircraft to the world's largest military air show.
The Savannah C-130H was one of the 100-plus planes invited to show their aircraft to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who came from around Europe to see the best and brightest showcase their air prowess.
Led by Maj. Jonathon Drew and a crew of seven, the 165th Air Wing parked their aircraft next to a Ci130J model and in front of the B-52 bomber as part of a static display that allowed the visitors to walk through and see the capabilities of many of the Western world aircraft. It also showcased a simulation of the famous World War II battle, the Battle of Britain, and the European unveiling of the United States' newest combat aircraft, the F-22 Raptor, an air superiority fighter.
Drew, a command pilot with more than 3,500 hundred flight hours who has served six tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, helped provide guided tours highlighting the capabilities of the Savannah C-130 unit and their aircraft.
"This was a great opportunity for us to work with one of our greatest allies and help explain the role we have played in combat operations and the capabilities that our C-130H models, some of the oldest H models in the U.S. military inventory, still perform at a high level in combat," he said.
This was the first time since 1999 that the 165th AW was invited to attend that didn't conflict with the operations and training of the unit, which has spent many years on the front lines of air combat support operations with the War on Terror's various stages.
As part of their public relations mission, the air crew briefed distinguished visitors and thousands of civilians as they made their way through the aircraft.
Many of the younger visitors wanted pictures with the crew and autographs. One of the most popular gifts the children received was a celebratory Savannah "Guard Dawg" pin.
Held over the weekend of July 17-18, the fine weather of southern England allowed for a large crowd walking the air show's main thoroughfare, looking at aircraft, watching the RAF Cadet program march, and watching the flying capabilities of the many fighters and transports.
The Royal International Air Tattoo invite is one of the most coveted invitations for military aircrews.