Offutt getting ready for the 2010 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show

  • Published
  • By A1C Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  With less than a month before the show dates of Aug. 28 and 29, planning is fully underway for Offutt's 2010 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show.

"This is a show that you might see at any big base," said Maj. Eric Nelson, the air show director. "Our biggest challenge is getting all four professional military performances and the other acts to fit into the time we've got."

The annual open house and air show, free and open to the public, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What is the newest and biggest addition to the 2010 Air Show? The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds announced Aug. 3 that they would be taking a trip to America's heartland to perform at the Nebraskan event.

Also headlining the air show will be the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team. The F-22 is the world's most advanced operational aircraft and will demonstrate combat maneuvers based at much lower altitudes than most pilots are certified to fly at during the team's first visit to Offutt.

"It's an unexpected bonus to what was already going to be a superb open house," said Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander. "I encourage you all to come out and see what the men and women of Team Offutt do every day."

"This turned our show into as big of a line-up as you'll see anywhere," said Major Nelson.

Also doing low passes is the Offutt Parade, consisting of Offutt's own E-4B and RC-135 aircraft. The passes of these two aircraft will give people who attend a much closer look at the planes that usually fly high over Omaha.

Other acts were chosen for their significant positions in military history, said Major Nelson.

The Wings of Blue parachute team from the Air Force Academy is scheduled to open the show on both days with the National Anthem played during their jump. Parachuting has been used by soldiers since World War I, when balloonists were outfitted with them to escape burning or falling balloons.

Otto the Helicoptor, a Schweizer 300C, 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.

Wing-walking will be performed by Kyle Franklin and Amanda Younkin-Franklin on the Waco "Mystery Ship" during the Pirated Skies act. Early Navy and Army Air Corps pilots used wing-walking as an emergency repair method while airborne. Only later in the history of flight did wing-walking become a new way for aerial daredevils to prove their bravery to each other.
C-17 Globemaster III and F/A-18 Hornet teams will be in attendance for military demonstrations.

Several different pieces of other aerial history from the Commemorative Air Force Missouri Wing will fly for Offutt attendees, including the B-25 Mitchell and TBM Avenger.

More than 25 aircraft currently used by the U.S. Air Force and Army will be on display, including the A-10 Thunderbolt, the B-1 Lancer and the UH-60 Blackhawk. Visitors will have a chance to board some of these important pieces of American warfighting ability.

Even attractions for children will be available, with peddle planes, the airplane train and inflatables open for business.

Many exhibitors will be in attendance, some giving people unfamiliar with the United States military a deeper look at the day-to-day life of a servicemember.

Vendors will be on site to sell food, drinks and souvenirs.

Since parking on base is very limited, free shuttles will run continuously from 8:45 a.m. until 6 p.m. to and from various off-base locations. Pickup locations include Bellevue University, Bellevue East High School, Bellevue West High School and the Southroads Technology Center.

For more information about the 2010 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show, visit www.offuttairshow.com.