Dear friends,
How are you doing? Have you ever been to air show in your city or somewhere else?
International Air Show MAKS takes place every two years in Moscow, I have already been there twice and can't miss this event anymore...

Some 200 aircraft are on display at the Moscow International Air Show, which opened on 16 August at an airfield just outside the Russian capital. More than 600 companies from 40 countries are taking part in the six-day show that is held every two years.

I found an interesting article about this event at the site of United States Department of Defence and would like to share it with you ;-) But it would be better if you do come to see it all with your own eyes!

About 100 U.S. military members and eight U.S. aircraft are playing an active part in the Moscow International Aviation and Space Salon through Aug. 21 at Ramenskoye Airfield here. And the American presence at the show is well received.

"I like the American aircraft and the people. You (being) here is wonderful," a native said. "It's very important that you're here. Ever since the Cold War ended and our two countries have been talking, ... it's much better. I think it's important that we be friends." To see our men and women in uniform interacting, smiling and shaking hands with our Russian partners is inspirational.

Both Americans and Russians share that sentiment.

The United States first displayed military aircraft at the Moscow air show in 2003, and in 2001 DoD participated with a technology booth. However, that doesn't mean the uniqueness of seeing U.S. military members here has worn off.

"I like the Americans, and I especially like the berets," Dmitry Chenstvov, a member of the Russian police squad, said. "I want to make friends with the Americans."

Forging ties through military cooperation is what it's all about, said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leon Limon, a KC-10 Extender air refueling specialist here from Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

"Coming here is a dream come true," said Limon, who taught himself to speak Russian more than three years ago. "I have a lot of Russian and Ukrainian friends back in the United States, so to finally get to come here and see for myself what their country is like and to make even more friends -- it's unbelievable."

American aircraft showcased during the air show include the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, KC-10 Extender, KC-135 Stratotanker and the B-1B Lancer. The B-1B also is performing daily aerial demonstrations beginning Aug. 18.