FIDAE / NEWEN - Santiago, Chile. March 29 - April 10, 2008

Every two years the Arturo Merino Benitez Airport in Santiago, Chile gets transformed into South America's premier Air Expo, attracting vendors and world military leaders from across the globe. This year the United States Air Force sent a powerful contingent of 17 aircraft and hundreds of personnel. In addition to supporting the FIDAE Air Expo, these planes and personnel participated in the NEWEN Force on Force Exercise between the US Air Force and the Chilean Air Force. Ranging from air to air combat simulations, practice aerial refuelings, and aeromedical missions, the NEWEN exercise established a powerful exchange of information and solidified cooperation between the US and Chile. And just as important, this visit offered the United States Air Force a chance to continue its longstanding humanitarian mission in countries outside the United States. Personnel from each unit visited hospitals and orphanages across Santiago, as well as hosted engineering students, Make A Wish Foundation kids at their jets. During this two week period I had the chance to shadow the men and women of the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) both on the ground and in the skies over Santiago. These are my images from this mission.