The community countdown to Air Amistad 2005, the Laughlin Air Force Base aerial extravaganza, has begun. Six days remain, but there's no rush for tickets. It's free.
Lt. Col. Steve Alsing, deputy commander of the 47th Flying Training Wing Operations Group, is running the show this year, and hopes his excitement about how Air Amistad 2005 is shaping up will infect everyone. The air show is an unparalleled opportunity to get a glimpse of America's firepower.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of Laughlin Air Force Base to both Del Rio and the success of Air Force missions worldwide, consistent with this year's theme, "Honoring America's Sacrifice for Freedom."
"With the Base Realignment and Closure Commission looking hard at every military installation, and with combat in the Middle East and high security missions around the globe, it's very important for those of us in Del Rio to be reminded of the value of Laughlin Air Force Base," said Del Rio Mayor Dora G. Alcala Saturday.
Alsing, his staff and volunteers have put together a memorable agenda of firepower and support aircraft, as well as "static" displays on the Laughlin flight line, inviting viewers' close examination of many of the same planes soaring overhead.
The show begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, but the anticipated 20,000 to 30,000 visitors are encouraged to come early. Laughlin Main Gate will open for spectators at 9 a.m., and ground exhibits and entertainment in a nearby aircraft hangar will keep folks busy until the main event begins.
Early arrival or late, visitors will be directed to parking areas about 1.3 miles from show center. Limited shuttle bus service will assist those who need help. Once there, information booths will provide bilingual information to all with questions, and provide "lost child" services.
The "statics," parked on Laughlin's flight line for kids and families to see up close, include a sleek, futuristic stealth fighter, the F-117 "Nighthawk," coming from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, and the F-15E "Strike Eagle" fighter, sent by Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
In addition viewers will see two KC-135 "Stratotanker" mid-air refueling giants, an A-10 "Thunderbolt" gunship and forward air controller, a C-17 "Globemaster" cargo and troop transport, the Navy's F/A-18 "Hornet," all of Laughlin's aircraft, the T-1 "Jayhawk," T-6 "Texan II," and the T-38 "Talon." Returning to the Laughlin flight line since its phased departure just months ago is a T-37 "Tweet," named for its piercing jet engine whine.
Center ring, as the aerial show begins at 10:30 a.m., will be marked by the arrival of the United States flag, born by jumpers from the U.S. Air Force Academy parachute team, "Wings of Blue."
Then, for the next three hours, visitors will be treated to a continuous display of aerial nostalgia, aerobatic prowess, and modern firepower.
A "dissimilar formation" of Laughlin's trainers will fly by the audience, introducing the program's nod to a striking variety of old "warbirds" from historic combat sorties. Laughlin infields between its three runways will "explode" as the warbirds drop or fire ordinance, simulating in sight and sound the legendary impact of the old planes on foreign enemies.
Some of the venerable aircraft are privately owned, but this segment will also include Air Force demonstrations from the Air Education Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio.
Just past noon, arrival of an F-15C "Eagle," described by the Air Force as an "air superiority tactical fighter," will signal the program's approach to modern air power. After the Eagle's demonstration, it will be joined by a World War II-vintage P-47 "Thunderbolt" for a flyby "heritage flight."
Wings of Blue will follow with freefall demonstrations from a C-130 "Hercules" tactical airlift plane. The team of up to 18 cadets from the Academy will demonstrate their skills in various formations before gliding toward the viewing area below open 'chutes.
Following the jump team, a behemoth of the air, a B-52 "Stratofortress" bomber will appear on the horizon. Its presence will be noted by more ground "explosions," simulating "carpet bombing" on Laughlin Air Force Base, according to Alsing. The big bomber may also be on exhibit as one of the flight line "static" displays.
At 1:30 p.m., the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, flying their distinctively and patriotically decorated F-16 "Fighting Falcon" fighters, will begin the climax performance of the day. The "ground show" is all ceremony and precision preparations for the show to come, an integral, traditional part of what has been Thunderbirds tradition for years.
The Thunderbirds' 45-minute demonstration of superior skills and aerial expertise is designed to be a fitting climax for the day of U.S. Air Force weaponry and flyer demonstrations.
"When we thrill to the performance of the Thunderbirds we will also be reminded that those maneuvers we see are the same maneuvers they use when pilots go to war to protect this country," said Alcala Saturday afternoon.
Thunderbirds pilots will sign autographs following the closing ceremonies.
For an hour after flight demonstrations, the base will remain open so visitors can take another look at all the static displays, enjoy the food booths near the flight line, answering food and beverage needs all day long, and the bands and performers on stage in Hangar 3.
