AIR SHOW

Went to the DM Air Show and got to see a lot of airplanes!!  This is a big airshow.  Had a lot of demonstration teams and got to watch a combat search and rescue demonstration with F-16s, A-10s, HH-60, and a HC-130.  They have changed their tactics somewhat but the basic mission remains the same as when I flew it back in the day.  There was a HC-130 on static display that I think I flew in Alaska.  At least the tail number sure was familiar.  We had three at the rescue squadron there.  Lots of other things going on also.  They anticipated over 100,000 people to show up, and I think they might have got that in the two days of the show. 

This is a C-17 with some civilian aircraft making some smoke trails by it.  There was a jumper that came down through the spiral smoke trails with the American flag attached to his leg.  Great crowd pleaser.

Here the PJs (now called guardian angles) slide down the rope to the survivor.

The A-10s come in and provide cover for the rescue.

I am sure the EOD folks had a great day setting off all the charges.

They finished the SAR with an air refueling demo.

Now this was the aircraft (A-1E) that flew as cover for me back in Vietnam.  Great old airplane.

Lots of flying demonstration teams.

We didn't stay for the USAF Thunderbirds, but they put on quite a show.   We watched from our campsite in the Famcamp.