HONDURAN AIR SHOW 2008

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000515 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR MASS MCAP MOPS SUBJECT: HONDURAN AIR SHOW 2008 ¶1. The Country Team in Tegucigalpa strongly supports the broadest possible Department of Defense (DOD) participation for the Honduran Air Show and Fair 2008, scheduled for 21-22 June 2008 at Armando Escalon Espinal Air Base in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Specifically, the participation of fighter and bomber flyovers, and cargo aircraft as static display, would exponentially enhance our engagement commitments to long-term relations with the elected Ministry of Defense senior leadership, strengthen relationships with the current administration in Honduras, and greatly enhance pro-U.S. public opinion in Honduras. ¶2. The presence of U.S. Department of Defense assets in air show would bolster goodwill, highlight this major engagement and cooperation, and set the tone for future aeronautical events in Honduras. ¶3. The USMILGP strongly supports the participation of fighter and bomber flyovers, and cargo aircraft as static displays at the Honduran Air Show 2008. Additionally, it requests to initiate preliminary coordination to program active duty and reserve component aircraft participation. Specific aircraft of interest are as follows: Flybys of B-2, B-1, or B-52; Flybys of F-22, F-15, or F-16; Static Displays of C-17, C-141, C-5, or C-130, and of aircraft that might be of interest for future RAMP sales to the region (small transport, helos, AT-6). ¶4. POC at USMILGP Air Force Section is Lt Col Douglas Burgoyne DSN 449-8214, e-mail: Douglas.Burgoyne@Tegucigalpa.mg.southcom.mil FORD