Defenders of liberty perform for Barksdale

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale Air Force Base, La. --  
Barksdale opened its gates to approximately 225,000 individuals to attend the Barksdale 2009 Defenders of Liberty Air Show May 9 and 10. 

Thousands of people poured onto the flightline for the opening performance as two E TEAM skydivers soared through the sky displaying the Canadian and Prisoners of War flags. Patrons wandered the flightline with their heads cranked towards the sky as the jumpers made their way to the ground. 

During the air show, more than 10 different aircraft displayed their capabilities to the swarm of onlookers. Spectators were able to view flybys, to stunt teams, to a World War II aerial reenactment. The F-15, F-16, A-10, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, MX2 and MiG-17 all performed, to name a few. 

"I really enjoyed watching the smaller planes perform," said Elaine LeBlanc of Shreveport, La. "The MiG-17 demonstration was my favorite--the stunt where he stalls is really neat. It was fun to watch the plane tumble toward the ground and suddenly fly again." 

The performances also helped some viewers see the Air Force in a new light.
"The air show really motivated me to look into joining the military," said Carl Johnson . "Watching the plane demonstrations amazed me, they really displayed their capabilities and I learned a lot from coming out to the show." 

In addition to performances, more than 15 different aircraft were on display for viewing. For 9-year-old Tristian Boniol of Carthage Texas, the first static display he visited turned out to be his favorite. 

"My favorite display was the WC-130J Hurricane Hunter," he said. "That plane was huge and I got to go on in it. I got to go inside of the cockpit--it was awesome." 

Each aircraft's pilot were also on hand to answer questions and provide details.
"I've seen at least 1,000 people line up to view the A-10," said Lt. Col. Jim Macaulay, 917th Operations Group deputy commander. "I think they like the A-10 a lot because it is an incredible gun to show. Locals see them flying over their homes and I think the public really relates to this aircraft." 

The United States Navy Blue Angels flew as the last performance of the air show.
"I was so excited to see the Blue Angels perform," said Lisa Ducts, of Shreveport, La. "I have never seen them fly before and they were definitely worth the five hours I waited in the sun. I came back both days just to see them perform again." 

With more than 80 aircraft that showed up, attendees were able to get a close up look at what the aviation side of the military has to offer. 

Since Sunday's show fell on Mother's Day, the base offered the local community an added bonus to this year's air show line-up with a free concert by Country singer Aaron Tippin. 

"I think the air show this year was phenomenal," said Maj. Harry Dyson, 11th Bomb Squadron director of training and air boss. "We had an incredible turn out-- even with inclement weather all acts performed. I think overall the air show was a success."
Once the six-hour-long flightline festivities ended, the crowds exited as Barksdale closed its gates to the community until next year's air show.