Defenders of Liberty Air Show acts announced

  • Published
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale Air Force Base, home of Air Force Global Strike Command, announces the 2011 Defenders of Liberty Air Show May 7-8, featuring the F-22 Demo Team.

"I think the public is really going to enjoy this year's air show," said Maj. Chris Otis, 20th Bomb Squadron, and 2011 air show air boss. "Our headliner this year is the F-22 Demo Team, they only visit a handful of bases every year, so we are happy to have them. Not only we do we have a thrilling display of the F-22 and its capabilities, but we also have the recreation team Tora Tora Tora, as well as the Shockwave Jet Truck, which is always a crowd favorite."

Tora Tora Tora provides a dynamic history lesson through re-creation of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. The group travels with volunteers that work as ground crew, maintenance, pyrotechnic experts and pilots to provide smoke, fire and explosions while an announcer explains the events and historical significance to the crowd.

Also new to this year's air show is husband and wife duo, Amanda and Kyle Franklin - they will be performing their most popular act, Pirated Skies. Inspired by the popular movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" - Captain Kyro, Kyle and Scandalous Scarlett, Amanda, sword fight through the sky while reaching speeds of up to 180 mph and while performing tail slides, torque rolls and snap rolls.

The expected 200,000 crowd in attendance will also see returning acts from past air shows including: Greg Poe, the Shockwave Jet Truck, Jacquie B. and the Vintage Warbirds.

The air show is free and open to members of the public. Gates will open to 9 a.m. and the show will begin at 10 a.m., all acts will perform both Saturday and Sunday weather permitting.

Col. Tim Fay, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, encouraged the local community to come enjoy the show.

"Defenders of Liberty is one of the greatest air shows in our nation," Colonel Fay said. "It is an outstanding opportunity for all of Team Barksdale to thank our community and show America some of the tools we use to deter and defeat our nation's enemies. Our Deuce Team is putting together an outstanding event the entire family will enjoy, including a demonstration of our B-52s devastating combat capability and a fantastic F-22 flight demonstration along with many other exciting acts and displays. It will be, as it always, a great time for all!"

Air show attendees are reminded that while the base is open to the public, there will still be security measures in place. Backpacks, coolers, camera bags and other similar large containers are prohibited on the airfield although exceptions will be made for small purses and diaper bags, which will be searched upon arrival. Weapons such as firearms, large blades, pocket knives and blunt objects are also prohibited on installation. Vehicles are subject to search and any weapons discovered will be confiscated and not returned. Cell phones and cameras will be permitted as well as strollers and wagons for small children; however, they are subject to search.