Base hosts air show to thank community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The base opened its gates last weekend and more than 50,000 people took advantage of the invitation to attend the 2012 Barksdale Air Force Base Defenders of Liberty Air Show April 21 and 22.

The annual air show provides the 2nd Bomb Wing and its Airmen an opportunity to showcase the Air Force mission and to say thanks to the Shreveport-Bossier community for generously supporting Barksdale AFB.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team headlined more than 20 acts, including performances and flybys by the Red Bull Jumpers, A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs, B-2 Spirit, B-52H Stratofortress, the Black Diamond Aerobatic Team and much more.

"The Black Diamonds were really cool," said Miranda Vining, air show attendee and Sibley, La. resident. "This was my first air show and I really enjoyed it. I'll definitely come back again."

Each day began as Col. Tim Fay, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, welcomed everyone to "their" base. He followed his greeting with a mission for all in attendance.

"Your mission today is to find one of those awesome American Airmen on the ramp, ask them what they do for you and for our nation, to enjoy yourself and to safely enjoy this fantastic air show we have for you today," he said.

A packed schedule of performances began with a flight by Kirby Chambliss and a flag jump by the Red Bull Jumpers.

As a Barksdale Airman sang the national anthem, Kirby circled the sky and released puffs of oil smoke creating a circular banner of clouds. In the center of that cloud formation, guests witnessed the highlighted jumper carrying the American flag as he parachuted to the ground.

Base guests enjoyed several exciting aerobatic demos by performers Jacquie B, Acemaker, Kevin Coleman, Jason Newburg and Randy Ball, to name a few.

Other highlights in the sky included flybys by the B-17 Flying Fortress, the F-4 Phantom and Barksdale's own B-52H Stratofortress. This year is especially significant for the base and the aircraft as 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the first flight of the B-52H, and 50 years since the last Stratofortress was delivered from the assembly line to the Air Force.

On the ground, guests also had the opportunity to view up-close static displays of current military and historic aircraft, and enjoy many vendors from the local community.

According the retired Navy Chief Larry Norwood, a local community member, the 2012 Barksdale Air Force Base Defenders of Liberty Air Show was a hit.

"The Thunderbirds, as always, performed great aerobatics and there was fun stuff for the kids and people visiting to do," he said. "There was a great turnout and great events for everyone. The air show was more than wonderful."