By Staff Report, 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs / Published May 06, 2017
(U.S. Air Force Illustration/Senior Airman Damon Kasberg)
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels perform aerobatic maneuvers for spectators at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 7. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)
A B-29 Superfortress, B-17 Flying Fortress and B-52 Stratofortress fly in formation at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. Held for the first time in 1933, the Barksdale Air Force Base Air Show is a full weekend event showcasing displays of latest as well as historical military and civilian aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Curt Beach)
The Skyhawks, the Canadian armed forces parachute team, perform for spectators at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. The Skyhawks have performed aerobatic stunts for more than 75 million spectators over 40 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Curt Beach)
Spectators react to the Canadian Skyhawks as the parachutists jump out of a C-17 Globemaster during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 5, 2017. The inherent flexibility of the C-17 allows it to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the U.S. through rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
Spectators are awed as the Canadian Skyhawk teams jump out of a C-17 Globemaster during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 5, 2017. The inherent flexibility of the C-17 allows it to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the U.S. through rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
A girl poses for a photo on a helicopter display during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 5, 2017. The show provided many exhibits for children in addition to the aircraft performances. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
A member of the Canadian Skyhawks parachute team meets and greets spectators during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 5, 2017. The SkyHawks are Canada’s only military parachute demonstration team. For over 40 years, they have represented Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces to over 75 million spectators worldwide under their signature Canadian flag parachutes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
The Canadian Skyhawks parachute team lands in front of a crowd at the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 5, 2017. The team showcased the professionalism, dedication and teamwork it takes to be part of the Canadian Armed Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
Spectators watch Joe Hollis perform a stall at the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show Twilight Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 5, 2017. The Twilight Show brought together military members and their families to watch aerial demonstrations, view static displays of aircraft, and more. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
Spectators watch aerial demonstrations during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 5, 2017. The 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show includes stunt planes, parachutists, static displays and entertainment for children. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
Kevin Colemen performs in front of a B-52 Stratofortress with newly applied nose art at the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Twilight Show on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 5. The B-52 is back at Barksdale after returning from a campaign against ISIS. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
A member of the Skyhawks, the Canadian armed forces parachute team, prepares to land on the flightline during the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. The Skyhawks have performed aerobatic stunts for more than 75 million spectators over 40 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Curt Beach)
A B-52 Stratofortress flies at a low altitude with bomb bay doors open, performing a close-air support exercise during the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 7. The B-52 gave spectators an inside view of the bomb bay in a tribute to the B-52 combat operations in Iraq and Syria. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)
Rob Holland and Kevin Coleman perform together at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. Holland pilots an MXS-RH while Coleman flies an Extra 300 LX. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Curt Beach)
The Shockwave Jet Truck races down the flightline during the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. Shockwave is the Guinness Book world record holder for the fastest jet truck in the world at 376 mph. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Curt Beach)
A member of the Canadian Armed Forces Skyhawks parachute demonstration team sails by the vertical stabilizer of a B-52H Stratofortress while preparing to land at the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Airshow on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. The team repeatedly jumped out of a C-17 Globemaster III, falling thousands of feet through the air while making a controlled descent to the flightline, where more than 100,000 people greeted them with cheers and applause. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration//Staff Sgt. Joseph Raatz)
The Skyhawks, the Canadian armed forces parachute team, perform for spectators at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 7. The Skyhawks have performed aerobatic stunts for more than 75 million spectators over 40 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)
A crowd watches a three-ship formation of B-52 Stratofortresses fly overhead at the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Airshow on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. Each B-52 weighs nearly 200 tons and can carry up to 70,000 pounds of bombs, mines, or air-launched cruise missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo//Staff Sgt. Joseph Raatz)
A B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress perform a flyover during the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. The aircraft, all combat-capable, performed the flyover in honor of the 8th Air Force, celebrating its storied heritage which dates back to 1942. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Curt Beach)
A B-25 Mitchell soars through the air during the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. The B-25 became one of the classic American aircraft designs to emerge during World War II. And gained national fame as the aircraft used by the famed Doolittle Raiders. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Curt Beach)
Defenders from the 2nd Security Forces Squadron inspect bags and other personal items being brought into the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Airshow on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. More than 100,000 people attended the free show this year, and each was required to go through a security screening before being allowed access. (U.S. Air Force photo//Staff Sgt. Joseph Raatz)
A father helps his daughter wash her hands with water from a portable water tank at the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Airshow on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. Often referred to as water buffaloes, portable water containers such as these provided attendees with hundreds of gallons of free, clean drinking water throughout the air show. (U.S. Air Force photo//Staff Sgt. Joseph Raatz)
A B-52 Stratofortress, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-29 Superfortress and B-25 Mitchell perform a flyby at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. This was the first time in history that all four of these bombers appeared in the same formation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Curt Beach)
A B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchel, B-29 Superfortress and the B-52 Stratofortress fly over the Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The four planes performed the Fortress Aniversary flyby. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
A spectator watches Kevin Coleman’s stunt plane during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. The air show boasted a variety of aircraft performances and displays as well as inflatables for children. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
A static F-18/A is being check out at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The F/A-18 Hornet can reach top speed of 1,190 miles per hour. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
The Shockwave Jet Truck rides across the flightline in front of the audience of the Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The Shockwave currently holds the world record for jet-powered full-sized trucks at 376 miles per hour. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
Spectators await the Blue Angels takeoff during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. The Blue Angels reach an estimated 11 million visitors during air shows each year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
A child aims through the sites on an all-terrain vehicle during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. Thousands of visitors toured static displays during the air show, getting up close with more than 60 aircraft and vehicles on the flightline. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
Spectators from across the local community and the world attend the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. The air show aims to educate the public on past and present Air Force aerial capabilities, increase recruiting and show appreciation to the community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
Kevin Coleman performs barrel rolls in front of a C-130 Hercules during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. Held for the first time in 1933, the Barksdale Air Force Base air show is a full weekend of military and civilian aircraft and performances and displays. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)
A man plays with a toy airplane with a child at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. Held for the first time in 1933, the Barksdale Air Force Base air show is a full weekend of military and civilian aircraft and performances and displays. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
A B-52 Stratofortress preforms a flyover at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 6, 2017. the flyover of three B-52s kicked off the Defenders of Liberty Air Show, 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
A child salutes in the cockpit of a static display during the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7. Held for the first time in 1933, the Barksdale Air Force Base air show is a full weekend of military and civilian aircraft and performances and displays. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
A B-52 Stratofortress flys over to kick off the Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The B-52 has been in service for over 60 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
Members of the Canadian Skyhawks team descend from the sky with an assortmant of colors at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The team takes great pride in showcasing the professionalism, dedication and teamwork it takes to be part of Canada’s military. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
Tactical Air Control Party Airmen jump from a C-17 Globemaster III, performing a close-air support combat exercise during the Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 7. The jump was a public demonstration of the Air Force’s combat prowess as Airmen have supported and continue to support deployed operations in the Middle East. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi, Blue Angels commanding officer, prepares to take to the skies at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 7. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets perform an aerial maneuver for spectators during the Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The Blue Angels first air show was at Craig Field, Jacksonville, Florida, June 15, 1946. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets perform an aerial maneuver at the Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. All of the Blue Angels' jets are aircraft carrier capable and can be made combat ready within 72 hours. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets perform an aerial maneuver for the Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets perform an aerial maneuver for the Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The highly competitive selection process for joining the Blue Angels' team guarantees the squadron's tradition of excellence, ensuring the Blue Angels are a direct reflection of the professionalism of today's sailors and Marines. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright)
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets perform an aerial maneuver for spectators during the Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels perform aerobatic maneuvers for spectators at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 7. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels maintenance personnel take their positions behind F/A-18 Hornets prior to take off during the Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2017. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)
The Skyhawks, the Canadian armed forces parachute team, jump out off a C-17 Globemaster III during a performance at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 7. The Skyhawks have performed aerobatic stunts for more than 75 million spectators over 40 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)
Rob Holland and Kevin Coleman perform together at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. Holland pilots an MXS-RH and Coleman flies an Extra 300 LX. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)
The Skyhawks, the Canadian armed forces parachute team, perform for spectators at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 7. The Skyhawks have performed aerobatic stunts for more than 75 million spectators over 40 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)
A Tactical Air Control Party Airman interacts with a child during the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. The show provided a variety of exhibits and demonstrations for the audience. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)
A B-29 Superfortress, B-17 Flying Fortress and B-52 Stratofortress fly in formation at the 2017 Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow, May 6. Held for the first time in 1933, the Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow is traditionally a weekend event showcasing the latest as well as historical military and civilian aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)