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 is inside." 

Several static displays were on hand to show taxpayers how their 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 - that they might not have been able to see before. 

For those with their eyes to the sky, the F-15E Strike Eagle and 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 that 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 Danaher. A P-51 Mustang also performed a solo act, as well as a heritage flight with the F-15E. 

Maj. Paul Corman, director of the air show and 365th 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 that, overall, Sheppard did a great job overcoming such things as a new location for the show and hosting a two-day event, instead of one day. He also said Sheppard expected more than twice as many visitors, but the poor weather kept a lot of folks at home.

"We utilized what we had and adapted that 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."