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Sheppard gears up for 2009 Open House and Air Show

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The final touches to a much-anticipated event continue this week as Sheppard prepares for its Oct. 10-11 Open House and Air Show. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days. 

Lt. Col. Eric Jachimowicz, Sheppard Open House and Air Show deputy director, said it's a total force effort to prepare and ensure the event happens with the precision to which the United States military is accustomed. 

"This is truly an installation event," he said. "Every organization on base is involved in some way." 

He said planning the air show in a new location was an obstacle but there is a lot more to look forward to including five military aerial demonstrations. The location of previous air shows was not an option due to construction of aircraft shelters. 

"Having five military demos is pretty significant," Colonel Jachimowicz said. "Expect nonstop action in the air." 

The highlight of the show is the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. The military air demonstration team's mission is to represent the skill, professionalism and teamwork of the men and women of the Canadian Forces to the North American public.

Colonel Jachimowicz said there will also be plenty of entertainment on the ground.

An M-4 flight simulator, static aircraft displays, representation from the U.S. Army and Coast Guard and an 82nd Training Wing technical training tent are just a few of the highlights on the ground. 

Colonel Jachimowicz said the purpose of ground displays is to show the mission of Sheppard and the Air Force as well as joint partners in global military operations. 

"We want the taxpayers to see what they're paying for," he said. The colonel said each training group in the 82nd TRW will have a display set up to show their mission. 

Colonel Jachimowicz said there will be a lot of temporary changes to base operations to ensure a safe, organized and entertaining event for everyone.  

In addition to modern aircraft, the air show will showcase heritage aircraft including the F-86 Sabre, P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt and many more. 

The air show will not be all fighter jets. Aerial and static displays will show the Air Force's ability to provide equipment and supplies to military operations around the world with aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III.

The Trojan Phlyers in their T-28 aircraft, Matt Younkin in his Beech 18 and a rare JN-4 Curtiss Jenny are among the civilian performers and demonstrations scheduled to appear.

For more information about the open house and air show, visit www.sheppardairshow.com.