Offutt set to host annual Defenders of Freedom air show

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The time is finally here for the 2012 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show.

This year's event takes place Aug. 25-26 and will feature more than 30 aerial performers, more than 30 static displays as well as more than 35 ground displays and exhibitors.

"We are very excited to open our gates and highlight what our military members do around the world on a daily basis," said Col. John Rauch, 55th Wing commander. "We also want to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their continuous support of Team Offutt."

The annual event is free and open to the public and will feature the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstration team, U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier demonstration team, U.S. Air Force A-10 heritage flight and the U.S Army Golden Knights parachute team.

"We're proud to highlight performers from all four services at this year's show," said Maj. Lance Hofer, air show director. "We've worked hard to get a great cross sample of our nation's military might on display and it should be a great event."

Also performing at this year's event will be Kevin Coleman's Extra 300SHP, The Horsemen's three F-86 Sabres, the Red Steel Jet Team's three L-39's, as well as the Flash Fire Jet Truck, which will haul down the runway at more than 300 miles an hour.

"We're also stoked to have the Lima Lima six-ship T-34 formation on the schedule as well as Team Aerostar's three-ship Yak-52 formation," Hofer said. "Those are real crowd pleasers."

This is the 41st consecutive Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show. Each year the organizers goal is to highlight the latest and greatest in modern aircraft and technology as well as showcase the military's history and capabilities.

"We have a great lineup of vintage war birds scheduled for the show too," Hofer said. "We'll have the P-51D, B-25, A-1E and a Japanese Zero to name just a few."

This year's event also features an expanded kid's zone. Children will have a plethora of rides and games to play and a BMX team will provide an exhibition for them throughout the weekend.

With construction taking place at the U.S. Strategic Command gate, attendees are encouraged to ride one of the free shuttles that are available at several locations throughout Bellevue. They run continuously on both days from 8:45 a.m. until 6 p.m. with the last inbound shuttle arriving at 3 p.m.

Pick-up locations for the shuttle are the Southroads Technology Center, Bellevue University, Bellevue East High School, Bellevue West High School and Offutt's Bellevue gate.

Handicap parking is available on base and please note that coolers, backpacks, large bags and pets are not permitted

For more information about the 2012 open house and air show, visit www.offuttairshow.com.