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Air Force Week, AirFest 2006 a success

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson and 2nd Lt Karoline Scott
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affaird
SCOTT AFB, Ill. --  For the first time in more than three years, Scott Air Force Base opened its gates and welcomed tens of thousands to AirFest 2006 last weekend. 

More than fifty static display aircraft, dozens of food and souvenir booths as well as several aerial displays all contributed to the weekend's activities. 

"From vintage warbirds including the B-17 'Flying Fortress' and the MiG-17 to our most modern aircraft including the newest cargo jet, the C-17 Globemaster III, and a flyover by two F-22A Raptors, the Air Force's newest planes, and a spectacular show by the 

Air Force's premiere demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, we had something for everyone at this year's AirFest," said Col. Al Hunt, 375th Airlift Wing commander. "This was the biggest air show and open house that Scott AFB has ever had. We were very pleased with how well everything went. The weather cooperated and we were able to give our visitors a great show." 

AirFest 2006 actually kicked-off Friday with a special needs air show.
It was hosted to offer area physically and mentally handicapped people as well as senior citizens who would otherwise be unable to attend the air show a chance to visit the base and see select aerial performances. 

In all, nearly 500 guests got a sneak preview of the Thunderbirds performance and other attractions. 

"Getting through traffic and crowds, walking long distances and the warm temperatures prevents many people from being able to come out to big events like the air show," said AirFest director Lt. Col. Dave Hayen. "Inviting them out for this special show allowed many people to experience the excitement of our aviation heritage despite those limitations." 

For 90-year-old aviation enthusiast Arnold Hugen, getting to show-center was a real treat. Assisted by Scott officials, Mr. Hugen shuffled slowly to his seat with his walker, but kept is eyes on the sky throughout the show. He recalled decades ago when he used to park off-base along the highway just to see the aircraft fly from the base. 

When the show was opened to the general public Saturday and Sunday, as many as 100,000 guests each day entered the Scott AFB flightline to enjoy the show. 

Amidst the fun and festivities, safety and security remained the priority. "Security was as tight as possible this weekend. We had hundreds of security personnel, both in and out of uniform, on the air show grounds to ensure our guests were safe," said Colonel Hunt. "Cooperation from both AirFest goers and workers alike ensured safety procedures were properly followed both quickly and efficiently." 

Both days, the final demonstration came from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds who wowed the crowd with show-stopping performances. 

Speaking of the impact the Thunderbirds team has on the Air Force and communities worldwide, Thunderbird # 1 and team commander, Lt. Col. Kevin Robbins, said, "We are here representing the more than 500,000 men and women who proudly serve in the Air Force and to thank you for the support you provide to us. There isn't a better thing than going to a place and seeing the outstanding support the community provides to the military." 

The Thunderbirds joined members of Team Scott and Airmen from across the country in celebrating not just AirFest 2006 but a week's worth of Air Force activities in St. Louis. The city was the host of the first ever Air Force Week, which included events from Air Force-themed Cardinals and Grizzlies baseball games, proclamation signings by local city mayors and special Air Force recognition at the St. Louis Science Center. AirFest 2006 was the culmination of all of these events. 

"This entire week has been a celebration of the collaboration between Airmen and the community," said Col. Hunt. "Air Force Week and AirFest 2006 is our way to say 'thank you' to the community for all of their support. It is that support, after all, that allows us to do our jobs everyday. Scott AFB will continue to open its gates and celebrate with the community for years to come."