2007 Press Releases
Allies in the Skies
June 30
Riga, June 20, 2007. – The U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Catherine Todd Bailey is pleased to invite the public to a static display of two F-16 fighter planes and one C-130 cargo aircraft at Riga International Airport on June 30 from 14:00- 16:00. The public can access the display through terminal C (the newly built part of the airport) from where they will proceed to the security screening and then shuttle buses to the planes.
July 1
The following day, July 1, all three planes will fly over Riga and Jurmala starting at 16:45. The planes can seen from the beach in Jurmala and over the Daugava river in Riga.
These events are organized by the U.S. Embassy to Latvia in cooperation with the Latvian Ministry of Defense as part of the NATO alliance. The planes will fly to Latvia from the US Air Force 31st fighter wing in Aviano, Italy. The pilots have just completed tours of duty in Iraq.
The U.S. military attaché to Latvia, LtCol David. P.Holahan, emphasizes: "It is important for people in Latvia to see their NATO allies here on the ground and in the skies, as tangible evidence of their NATO membership. This display is just one simple way of representing the very good security cooperation Latvia has with so many countries, particularly the United States."
NOTE TO THE EDITOR:
Media representatives are welcome to cover both events. For the static display, media should arrive at the airport June 30 at 13:30, terminal C from where will proceed through security to view the planes and listen to the opening remarks. Accreditation will be organized by the Latvian National armed forces (LNAF). To register your participation, please contact Uldis Davidovs at the LNAF Press and information section: 67335224 or 29473970
U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilsu iela 7
Riga, LV 1050
Phone: 371 750-9022
Internet: http://riga.usembassy.gov
Media specialist's e-mail: dilanes@state.gov, lubinad@state.gov