Sheppard set to host 2007 Open House

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A combination of old and new, military and civilian aircraft will take to the skies Oct. 20 during the much-anticipated 2007 Sheppard Open House and Air Show.

Not only will aerial acts keep eyes skyward, but ground attractions will grasp the attention of guests looking for a hands-on experience. Lt. Col. Matthew Harris, commander of the 364th Training Squadron and the deputy director for the show, said there is something for everyone at the show.

"It's Air Force history. It's Team Sheppard history," the colonel said. "There's no other place you can go this weekend and say that."

The Missile Road Gate will open at 9 a.m. for all guests to access the base. Signs will be posted to direct motorists to the appropriate parking areas. Admission to the show and parking is free.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. and the first flying act, the Firebirds Extra 300 Aerobatic Team, will perform at 11:30. Aerial performances will continue non-stop throughout the day, with an Air Force Heritage Flight consisting of the F-22 Raptor, A-10 Thunderbolt II and P-47 Thunderbolt completing the show.

The biggest draw of the show is the Air Force's newest and the world's most advanced fighter, the F-22A Raptor. The sleek, aerodynamic stealth fighter became operational in 2005 with a price tag of $159.9 million per aircraft. There are currently 91 F-22s in the Air Force's inventory.

Another new addition to the fleet is the CV-22 Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft primarily used by the Air Force's Special Operations Command. The Osprey can perform missions that would normally require the use of airplanes and helicopters.

Colonel Harris said without a traditional headliner act, the group was looking for a special attraction that would draw something unique to Sheppard to get people excited about the show.

With the opening of Sheppard's new F-22 maintenance training facility Oct. 19, the stage was set to have not one, but two Raptors present for the show.

Colonel Harris explained the opening of the facility accompanied by some help from 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, Col. Jeffrey Kendall, former 80th Flying Training Wing commander, and current 80th FTW Commander Col. David Petersen led to Sheppard securing the Air Force's newest fighter.

The colonel said "it was vital that we get" the F-22, CV-22, B-2 Spirit and C-17 Globemaster III, all making up the newest members of the Air Force's fighting, special forces, bombing and transportation missions.

Although the draw of a show such as this is the aerial performances, there are plenty of opportunities for guests to have memorable moments on the ground. A "little airport" for children preschool age up to 3rd grade can experience "piloting" an aircraft, while older guests enjoy the sounds of Dimensions in Blue, the Air Force Band of the West's jazz band.

Airmen in Training will also put on a show of "ground power" when they display the various types of military and technical training learned at Sheppard. Included in the formation's performance will be jodies, or verbal cadences given by Airmen as they march.

Also in attendance will be living, breathing military aviation history - the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen are African Americans who made a breakthrough in American military aviation as they became the first black pilots, aircrew and aircraft maintenance personnel in the Army Air Corps.

"It's another very unique experience someone could have here," Colonel Harris said. "If they want to stop by and see living history, this is certainly the opportunity."

To capture the joint operations environment all branches of the military serve under today, the colonel said there will be aerial demonstrations by an F-18 Super Hornet as well as a Naval Heritage Flight. In addition to the Navy's appearance, Fort Sill, the U.S. Army's premiere artillery training post in nearby Lawton, Okla., will have a display for guests to peruse. International partners will also get into the act with static aircraft displays.

Other displays include the Air Force NASCAR, GMC Yukon Raptor truck, a jet engine display and mini F-16.

Whatever the reason for guests to visit Sheppard's Open House, the colonel said no one will walk away disappointed with the current schedule of performers and attractions.

For more information about the air show,  click on 2007 Sheppard Open House.