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. 

The show's deputy director, Lt. Col. Eric Jachimowicz of the 80th Flying Training Wing, said it's a total force effort to prepare and ensure the event goes off 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. The location of previous air shows was not an option due to construction of aircraft shelters, but there is a lot more to look forward to including five military aerial demonstrations. 

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

The highlight of the show is the Snowbirds from the Canadian Forces. 

He said there will also be "plenty of entertainment on the ground." 

An M-4 flight simulator, static 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 all the features is to show the mission of Sheppard, 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 deputy director 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 changes to the base to ensure a safe, organized and entertaining event for everyone including restricted movement on the installation, including: 

· Security Forces will direct traffic to parking areas corresponding to the gate of entrance.

· Community members must enter the base through the Missile Road Gate, which will not check IDs but will perform random security checks.

· Department of Defense cardholders have the option to enter the base through the Missile Road Gate or the Main Gate, which will be following standard procedures and 100 percent ID checks.

· DoD cardholders who choose to enter through Missile Road will have to exit the base through Missile Road Gate and will not be able to enter any part of the installation south of Missile Road.

· DoD cardholders who choose to enter the Air Show through the Main Gate will need ID cards to enter and exit the air show site.

· Four shuttle buses for each route, community entrance or Main Gate entrance, will be available.

· The Visitor's Center will be moved from the Missile Road Gate to the Main Gate Oct. 10-11. To sign on guest, DoD cardholders must go to the Visitor's Center at the Main Gate.

The air show will also feature heritage aircraft that paved the way for the modern Air Force, including the F-86 Sabre, P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt and many more. Also displaying the Air Force's ability to provide equipment and supplies to military operations around the world include the C-130 Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III, the most advanced cargo aircraft in the Air Force inventory.

Several civilian acts will also excite the crowd, including the Trojan Phlyers in their T-28 aircraft, Matt Younkin in his Beech 18 and a hard-to-find JN-4 Curtiss Jenny.

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