Offutt to host 2011 "Defenders of Freedom" Open House and Air Show

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The U.S. Air Force's F-15E Strike Eagle demonstration team and the U.S. Army's Golden Knights will headline Offutt's annual 2011 "Defenders of Freedom" Open House and Air Show Aug. 27 and 28.

The event is free and open to the public.

"We at Team Offutt are very excited to provide you this glimpse of how our military operates," said Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th Wing commander. "Whether this is your first or fifteenth visit, take some time to see why we're so proud of the professional Service members who wear the uniform."

The air show will continue its tradition of military and civilian aerial acts, static displays and booths showcasing military history and capabilities.

The Offutt parade, consisting of Offutt's own E-4B and RC-135 aircraft, will give people who attend a much closer look at the planes that usually fly high over the Omaha metro area.

Also performing will be Otto the Helicoptor, a Schweizer 300C, that was used as a TH-55A Osage, the primary trainer from 1964 to 1987 for the Air Force and Army's helicopter pilots. Now, Otto is a variety act, blowing bubbles, playing with his yo-yo, racing around barrels and picking them up, shooting smoke in all directions, and towing banners.

"We're also excited to have the legendary B-2 Spirit on display with us for the first time," said Bacon. "Be sure to see this marvelous aircraft that stands as a milestone in American technological advancement and global strike capability.

"It's incredibly rare to see the B-2 Spirit this close. We're all excited for the chance to see it overhead and on the ground," said Maj. Lance Hofer, air show director.

More than 32 aircraft currently used by U.S. armed forces will be on display, including the A-10 Warthog, E-3 Sentry and B-52 Stratofortress. Visitors will have a chance to see the interior of these planes that fuel America's war-fighting ability.

"We've worked hard to get more military equipment on display than we have ever had at Offutt, which will make this a show worth seeing,"

Because parking on base is limited, free shuttles will run continuously from 8:45 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The last inbound shuttle will arrive at 3 p.m. Pick-up locations for the shuttle will be Southroads Technology Center, Bellevue University, Bellevue East High School, Bellevue West High School and Offutt's Bellevue gate.

Handicap parking is available on base.

Coolers, backpacks, large bags and pets are not permitted.

"Our air show is a fantastic Offutt tradition, and it will be a great way to end a Nebraska summer with an impressive bang," said Hofer.

For more information about the 2011 Offutt Open House and Air Show, visit www.offuttairshow.com.