OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Nebraska -- Excitement is starting to build on Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., for a celebration involving aerial precision, advanced fighter aircraft, helicopters and even Stormtroopers as we await the Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show.
Set to take place on July 30 and 31, the air show will feature many exciting acts including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the VFA-122 Super Hornet Demo Team.
“The Thunderbird pilots are among the world’s best. For the past month they have been hard at work doing what they do best and we are confident they will put on the spectacular show the Air Show industry has been raving about.” said Capt. John Nagy, Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show ground director.
Along with the many performers, there will also be static display aircraft including the newest and most highly advanced fighter aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory, the F-35 Lightning II.
If you “feel a disturbance in the Force,” don’t worry, the 501st Legion, Vader’s First is sending a few troops to assist in tracking down some droids. There will also be exhibitors from West Point, the Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team and the Tuskegee Airmen to just name a few. For a complete list, visit http://offuttairshow.com/exhibitors/
In 2014, Bike-N-Park was added as a feature for those who might want to avoid a lot of the vehicle traffic and parking issues. This turned out to be a successful alternative to driving to the air show. One of the perks to the Bike-N-Park is valet parking of your bike in the area that is next to the main entrance. If you decide to use this option, use your safety gear. Click here for more safe riding tips. For more about Bike-N-Park, visit http://offuttairshow.com/bike-n-park/
Another option to help you avoid parking issues on Offutt Air Force Base is the shuttle. Spectators are highly encouraged to utilize the free shuttle service from the following parking areas in Bellevue, Nebraska. The shuttle pickup locations are:
-
Southroads Technology Center – Ft. Crook & Childs Road
-
Bellevue University – Harvell & Herman Drive
-
Bellevue East High School – Harvell Drive & Lincoln Road
-
Bellevue West High School – 15th & Thurston Drive
-
Offutt AFB (on base, via Bellevue gate, behind Sarpy County Museum) – Offutt AFB & Lincoln Road
The buses will run from approximately 8:45 a.m. until the last Open House attendee has been returned to their lot. At 3 p.m., the buses will stop delivering new attendees to the base and will switch to an outbound only mode. Those in line at 3 p.m. will be allowed to board a shuttle.
Handicap parking will be available in the Offutt Field House parking lot. Take Capehart Road to the STRATCOM gate and look for the direction signs. If you have difficulties, please ask the Security Forces personnel directing traffic for assistance.
For directions to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska and general public parking directions, visit http://offuttairshow.com/directions-parking/.
For a list of prohibited items and frequently asked questions, visit http://offuttairshow.com/faq/.
“For the first time, a smartphone App has been developed for our air show,” said Nagy. “There is information for both air and ground attractions, parking and driving directions. As we get closer a general events schedule will be made available. Additionally, during the Open House, notifications will be sent out notifying users of upcoming performances.”
“Don’t forget to visit your Apple or Google Play store to download your app today,” he added.
If you’re a fan of the air show or planning to attend, we would like to invite everyone to use the social media hashtag #OffuttAirShow.
For more information on the #OffuttAirShow, visit www.OffuttAirShow.com.