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Sheppard, community come together for 2009 Air Show

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  More than 23,000 spectators were marveled by performers in the air and on the ground Oct. 10-11 during Sheppard's 2009 Open House and Air Show. 

From the awe-inspiring aerial performance of the C-17 Globemaster III to the life-like realism of the Virtual Army Experience to miniature tricycle aircraft at the "Little Airport," there was something for children of all sizes during the two-day event. 

"My favorite part is all of the displays," said Haleigh White, a spectator visiting the show with her mother, Veronica. "I love climbing into the airplanes and seeing what's inside." 

Several static displays were on hand to show the spectators how the Air Force defends the country. Training, fighter, bomber and cargo aircraft were set up along a taxiway, allowing people an opportunity to get up close to weapons of war - and peace - which they might not have been able to see before. 

For those with their eyes to the sky, the F-15E Strike Eagle and the F/A-18 Super Hornet dazzled the crowd with high-performance maneuvers and ear-shattering flybys. The C-17 showed off its incredible capability with a steep climb upon takeoff and a landing which could be described as "stopping on a dime." 

Also on display was the history of military aviation since World War I. A very rare and treasured performance was the flight of the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny by former Army Air Corps pilot Tom Danahar. A P-51 Mustang was flown was flown during a solo act, as well as during a heritage flight with the F-15E. 

Maj. Paul Corman, director of the air show and 356th Training Squadron director of operations, said although the weather played a part in the overall turnout, the show was still successful. 

"Saturday was the most successful day; we got everyone up in the air and got the noise started," he said. "Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves with all of the non-stop action in the air and on the ground." 

He said Sheppard did a great job overcoming difficulties of the air show, such as its new location and expanding from a one-day event to a two-day event. 

He said Sheppard expected more than twice as many visitors, but the poor weather kept many folks at home. 

"We utilized what we had and adapted, that's the most important part," he said. "Regardless, we had a great show and I would just like to say thank you to every single squadron for their contributions and help."