AirFest 2008 a Team MacDill effort

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tania Reid
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AFB, Fla --  With AirFest 2008 upon us, the preparation, planning and teamwork at MacDill is paying off. 

Behind the scenes almost every unit has worked intensely to put the show together. 

"The primary planning for AirFest began in January when we got the official notice that we were indeed going to have an air show this year," said Senior Airman Juanika Glover, 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs journeyman. "However, some planning began well before that official notice." 

For several weeks, Team MacDill members have been pulling together the pieces to ensure a successful event. That includes the mechanics of the exhibits, the logistics of dealing with huge crowds of visitors and putting a public face on the event to ensure spectators understand the role of the Air Force and MacDill. 

"Our job in Public Affairs is to help the community understand what the military does, and how their tax dollars are spent," said Airman Glover. "But an event this big has many components, and it takes all units pulling together, otherwise Air Fest 2008 wouldn't be possible." 

Deputy Director of the AirFest, 1st Lt. Michael Roberts, is in charge of operations and oversees the setup of the displays and works with the Services, Civil Engineer and Logistics Readiness squadrons. 

"Anything to do with operations on the ground, services, setup, coordinating with CE or anything that doesn't have to do with the actual demonstration is my responsibility," said Lieutenant Roberts, who has been busy organizing everything from acquiring the loan of display booths to trash receptacles. 

Among the other preparations, a Major Accident Response Exercise was held April 16 to prepare Airmen for accidents and how the base would respond to an emergency. 

"The timing is purposely done once a year, prior to the air show to test the emergency response to any accident," said Lt. Col. Daniel Wright, AirFest director.
A prime concern is for the health and well-being of attendees. 

"There will be a team of doctors, nurses and medical technicians on standby at the clinic as well as first aid located at Hangar three. But we ask that everyone be mindful of themselves and others, hydrate constantly," said Colonel Wright. "Taking preventative steps before the actual event is a plus, skin protection, hydrating can't be stressed enough. We also should look out for each other while out there on the job." 

The marketing team this year worked with several agencies on and off base. It has played an important role in getting the air show the exposure needed. Marketing also facilitates agreements between the base and sponsors. 

"Once an offer is entertained, an agreement is drawn up and base legal personnel review the agreement," said Wendy Foster, 6th Services Squadron marketing director. "Sponsors receive advertising privileges, such as logo recognition and a booth in the sponsor area on the ramp, in exchange for their support," she said. 

Marketing also assists public affairs when local media outlets such as newspapers, radio and television stations express an interest in becoming sponsors. 

The team effort helps the base create a cross-marketing and advertising campaign for AirFest. Printing the posters and programs for AirFest also falls to marketing. 

"This is the fourth air show I've worked on at MacDill," said Mrs. Foster. "It is an excellent recruiting tool for the Air Force, a wonderful way to give back to the Tampa Bay community that so readily supports MacDill, and it showcases our military mission and capabilities to the general public." 

An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 visitors are expected per day for this event. 

"The Tampa Bay community has always been very supportive of MacDill's air shows," said Airman Glover. "It's evident from the large number of visitors, sponsor support and media coverage that make it to the air show each year. " 

Throughout Air Fest 2008, MacDill personnel will be working in security roles to ensure an enjoyable show, free of mishaps. They will be on the lookout for any strange activity, and maintain a high degree of situational awareness.
 
Among concerns are addressing forbidden items and activities, including possession of weapons by visitors, drinking alcohol and smoking around aircraft. 

That kind of attention to detail by Team MacDill is required to put on the latest in a long line of successful air shows.