AirFest leaves lasting impression

  • Published
  • By Airman 1 st Class Katherine Holt and Senior Airman Tania Reid
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  AirFest 2009 has come to an end, but the memories live on. The lure of the daring aerial aircraft acrobatics, the parachute jumpers, tours of the ground displays and the many booths drew the more than 135,000 spectators to the show March 28 and 29.
Team MacDill opened their doors to the residents of Tampa and the surrounding areas Saturday morning to bright blue skies and perfect weather drawing large crowds. Even though the weather conditions Sunday were poor, it wasn't enough to stop the crowds from being thrilled and excited by performers.

"I think the show was really great," said Thomas McCLean, MacDill AirFest spectator. "It has been 20 years since I've been watching the air show and the aerial performance is still amazing."
With static displays from all branches of the military filling the flightline, children of all ages were able to experience what an Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Coast Guardsmen might experience on any given day. Static displays like the KC-10 Extender gave community friends and families the opportunity to walk through the aircraft, climb into the cockpit and talk to operators about the aircraft and its capabilities.

Static displays weren't the only thing on the tarmac those two days, food and souvenir vendors were also available for the thousands of spectators.

The aroma of dozens of vendors permeated through the air attracting all taste buds. Vendors were selling everything from hot dogs to gyros; lemonade to ice cream.

With the temperatures Saturday and Sunday afternoon, hovering in the high 70's to the low 80's, ice cream was a big hit.

"We have sold a lot of ice cream this weekend," said Staff Sgt. Raina Sewell, 6th Air Mobility Wing Equal Opportunity. "Adults and children alike were lining up to cool down with some cold treats."

With mouths full, spectators looked to the sky to be blown away by the many military and civilian demonstration teams. Civilian demos like the T-6 Star flown by Bill Leff and the Super Decathlon flown by John Black contributed to the acrobatics in the sky. Saturday guests got to enjoy the one-day only flyover from the B-1 Lancer, the backbone of America's long-range bomber force. The F-15E and the A-10 Thunderbolt made the sky roar with their speed and agility.

To complete the high-flying day of fun was the Thunderbirds. As the Air Force's precision flying team, this unique group of dedicated professionals representing the best of the best in Air Force capability for maintenance and flying took to the skies in a dynamic display of calculated movements and speed to match. The team did not disappoint, as the crowd cheered and clapped with each pass.

Team MacDill was, once again, able to show the community a glimpse of what the military does and is capable of. AirFest 2009 left the audiences remembering the aerial demonstrations, static displays and professionalism of the U.S. military.
"The show was terrific," said Mr. McClean. "As long as there's an AirFest at MacDill I will be here to attend."