EL SALVADOR: REQUEST FOR USAF PARTICIPATION IN

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 002442 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ES MARR MOPS PGOV PREL SUBJECT: EL SALVADOR: REQUEST FOR USAF PARTICIPATION IN 2007 ILOPANGO AIRSHOW ¶1. Embassy San Salvador Country Team strongly supports the widest possible DOD participation in the 2007 Ilopango Air Show, scheduled for February 24-25, 2007 at Ilopango International Airport (MSSS),El Salvador. The participation of the USAF Academy Wings of Blue, in addition to tactical flying demonstrations and several static-display aircraft, would greatly enhance relations with one of our closest partners in the Hemisphere. The bilateral relationship is excellent, as evidenced by the participation last year of the USAF Thunderbirds. ¶2. As El Salvador continues to develop a plan to modernize its aging aircraft fleet, we would specifically like to request the static display of several aircraft (T-1, T-6, C-130 and UH-60). This would offer civilian and military leaders an opportunity to see--up close--examples of next-generation aircraft that may meet the Salvadoran Air Force's (FAS) aviation requirements, and assist our Milgroup as it works with the FAS to develop a long-term aircraft modernization plan. ¶3. In addition to the participation of the above aircraft, Country Team requests that preliminary coordination begin for active-duty and reserve aircraft participation. Specific aircraft of interest are: the F-16 and A-10 Demonstration Teams, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV),C-5, C-17, KC-135R, KC-10, F-15 C/E, P-3C, E-3 AWACS, and flybys of B-1 or B-52. The presence of air- and space-related mission elements and static displays should greatly enhance U.S. visibility, further develop interest in the military, and help bolster support for the El Salvador Armed Forces (ESAF). ¶4. POC at USMilgroup Air Force Section is MAJ Darren A. Purser (commericial phone: 011 503-2501-2405, DSN: 294-9000; wait for tone: 59467, ext. 3157; E-mail: purserd@sansalvador.mg.southcom.mil. Butler