Air Force highlights Texas Air Shows

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  Spectators at the "Wings Over Tyler" and "Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake" air shows were treated to a glimpse of U.S. Air Force capabilities by the "Viper West" F-16 Demo Team over the July 4th weekend.

The Air Combat Command's Single-Ship Demo Team travels to air shows and events across the country in support of Air Force recruiting and retention programs, providing morale within the Air Force and sister services.

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons, from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, arrived at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport on Thursday, June 30, to prepare for the "Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Air Show" on Saturday, July 2, 2011. The jets were piloted by Capt. Garrett "Mace" Dover and Capt. Eric "Buzz" Swenson.

Capt. Dover flew the performance jet while Capt. Swenson piloted a spare aircraft in case of a problem with the primary jet. A four-man maintenance and support crew was also on-hand to provide for the operational needs of the aircraft.

For the residents of Tyler, Texas, the existence of the Cedar Creek Show proved to be a golden opportunity.

"For more than 16 years, military and civilian aircraft performing at the Cedar Creek Air Show have launched from the Tyler airport," said Randa Conner, chairman of Tyler Chamber Aviation Committee and one of the organizers of the Tyler air show. "The planes were going to be here anyway, so the idea of 'piggybacking' a second air show was pitched to the chamber."

"We were excited about what the air show will bring to Tyler," she continued. "But, working on a project of this magnitude has definitely been a learning experience."

Coordinating the logistical requirements for an air show is a daunting task. Luckily, for the Tyler air show there was someone with experience close by.

"I've been in numerous air shows during my time in the Air Force," said Barry Barnett, assistant ramp boss for the "Wings Over Tyler Air Show."

"This is the first time I have been an air show committee member, and it is an experience to say the least," Barnett said. "I never understood all of the politics that go along with it."

Barnett, who is a staff sergeant in the Air Force, was introduced to air shows when he was stationed at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. He was also responsible for the security and emergency at the Tyler air show.

"We have two EMS air units standing by on the air field ... one on each end. The first aid station and emergency operations command post are collocated at airport fire station No. 3," said Barnett. "There is water available for those who can't afford to buy water at the show."

For those who wanted an opportunity to meet with those involved in the Tyler air show, performers were available for a "meet the pilots" gala in the airport lobby the night before the show.

More than 20,000 people attended what was reported to be the first air show at the Tyler Regional Airport in 27 years, and Tyler's first ever "waivered" air show. Airfield waiver means the aircraft can perform aerobatic stunts and exceed limits typically not allowed under federal laws.

Thousands of spectators crowded the airfield, toting lawn chairs, umbrellas and sun screen, determined to enjoy the show despite the triple-digit heat.

Along with the Viper West Coast Demo Team, the air show featured a collection of present day and vintage planes from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, as well as experimental aircraft.

One of the featured performances for the event was the fiery Pearl Harbor re-enactment. It involved six Japanese fighters and bombers simulating the December 7, 1941, attack. A F4U Corsair and P-40 also participated in the historical re-enactment.

Designed as a living history lesson, "Tora, Tora, Tora" is intended as a memorial to the servicemembers on both sides who gave their lives for their countries.

Other performers included Jan Collmer's EXTRA 300L acrobatic plane; the Trojan Phlyers T-28 flight demonstration team; a C-130 from the Fort Worth Air National Guard; B-25 "Devil Dog," courtesy of the Commemorative Air Force - Georgetown; L-29 Delfin; Matt Yonkin's Twin Beech; Chris Avery's CAF F4U Corsair; Curtiss P40, Justin - Lewis and Clark; and Jack Pyland Jumper with a 45-foot American flag.

A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., were scheduled to be at the event, but participation was canceled due to deployment obligations.

"We are very pleased with the success of the air show. It was a lot of hard work from everyone involved," said Conner. "I'm already looking forward to the next one being bigger and better."

Proceeds from the "Wings Over Tyler Air Show" benefit the Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County and Texas Wounded Warrior.