2016 Defenders of Liberty Airshow Published May 4, 2016 By Staff Sgt. Joseph A. Pagán Jr 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affaits BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The 2016 Defenders of Liberty Airshow brought tens of thousands of people to Barksdale, April 30 and May 1, to take a glimpse at old and new aircraft, enjoy aerial demonstrations, appreciate local vendors and stare in awe at the Air Force’s very own Thunderbirds. The two-day public event was nearly rained out, but good fortunes cleared the sky for an excellent show. Col. Kristin Goodwin, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, gave opening remarks to kick off the day’s events. “As installation commander and on behalf of the men and women who serve here, we want to thank you for coming to the air show,” she said. “I’m so glad the weather is cooperating, and you all are able to be here. As you are on the base, take a moment to look around at the storied history that was built in 1932.” Throughout the show, guests viewed aircraft through the ages perform such as the P-51 mustang, a World War II fighter our grandfathers flew, as well as newer aircraft, like the MXS-RH flown by Rob Holland. “The air show brings a great line-up of military air power and civil aviation,” Goodwin said. “We’re hosting this to say thank you to all the people from Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana for all they do in helping us complete our mission.” As clouds scattered from the sky, spectators looked up at a B-29 Superfortress, its bomber siblings of Air Force Global Strike Command and aerial demonstrations from all around the globe. If that wasn’t enough, between acts, spectators meandered through various food vendors, spoke with military recruiters, and saw Shockwave, the jet powered truck. “Overall, Barksdale and the 2nd Bomb Wing were able to work through multiple weather issues and provide a safe, exciting and successful show to approximately 110,000 people,” said Lt. Col. Scott Bussanmas, air show director. “Unfortunately, due to weather, we had to cancel the Friday night twilight show, but Mother Nature cooperated [on Saturday and Sunday].” Many guests, to include Haley Liebert, 17, Louisiana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, expressed their excitement for the show. “This [show] is so great, and I’m excited to see the Thunderbirds for the first time,” Liebert said. “I hope to be active duty Air Force one day, and this gives me the chance to see what a military base is like.” These shows may forever change the minds and decisions of our youth. “The Airmen of Barksdale never cease to amaze and always find a way to get things done,” Bussanmas said. “From the air show staff to the volunteers working traffic control and vendor tents, it was a great combined effort which brought this all together.”