US Airmen arrive at Chilean Trade and Air Show, FIDAE Published April 11, 2022 SANTIAGO, Chile (AFNS) -- Over 130 Airmen and Guardians have touched down in Santiago, Chile, to participate in the Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio, or FIDAE, Latin America’s largest aerospace, defense and security exhibition April 5-10. Among those representing the U.S. Air Force are 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Texas and Nevada Air National Guard, and the Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team. Air Force Global Strike Command was also represented by a B-52 Stratofortress flyover. "By working alongside our partners we’re able to strengthen relationships," said Air Force Lt. Col. Ian Barta, deputy air boss for U.S. delegation at FIDAE. "It’s amazing how in just a few days a team representing multiple countries is able to improve the understanding of how each other operates. From a military standpoint, we improve our military-to-military relationship with our Chilean counterparts which will help us prepare to work together in the future." U.S. Space Force Guardians in attendance worked together with partner nations and promoted mutual interests of security and stability within the space domain. FIDAE provided an opportunity to engage with industry, partner nation air and space leadership as well as visitors to strengthen understanding and shared responsibility of space behaviors integral to the increasingly digital and interconnected world. Over the course of the week, demonstrations by the F-22 Raptor and Wings of Blue parachute team showcased U.S. airpower, capabilities and enduring promise as a committed partner in the region. Additionally, the F-22, Texas Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules, and Nevada Air National Guard C-130H Hercules static aircraft displays provided the thousands in attendance an up-close look at critical airframes in the U.S. Air Force inventory. U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, taxies the aircraft after rehearsal for the 2022 FIDAE Air & Trade Show, April 3, 2022 in Santiago, Chile. The F-22 Raptor combines stealth, supercruise, super-maneuverability, and integrated avionics represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Don Hudson) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Parachute Team members assist Cadet First Class James Norkosky (right) by catching the American flag after his jump during Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio, Latin America’s largest aerospace, defense and security exhibition in Santiago, Chile, April 5, 2022. The Wings of Blue parachute team performs precision jumps daily at the event alongside their Chilean counterpart parachute team. (U.S. Air Force photo Master Sgt. Michael Davis) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, pulls into a vertical climb during the initial rehearsal at the 2022 FIDAE Air and Trade Show, April 3, 2022, in Santiago, Chile. The F-22 Raptor's two Pratt and Whitney F119 Turbofan engines bring a combined 70,000 pounds of thrust, allowing the aircraft to takeoff straight into the vertical. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Don Hudson) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res FIDAE also provided senior Air and Space leadership from the U.S. the opportunity to engage in important bilateral discussions with their counterparts in the Chilean Air Force and other Latin American countries. “We look forward to working alongside our partners in Chile,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Barry Cornish, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander. “Our friendship with the Chilean Air Force and Chilean people is enduring and we look forward to continuing to push forward the ability to work together, both in the air and in space.” For more information on FIDAE Air and Trade Show, visit their website.