Wings Over Wayne: Air show set for takeoff on Saturday
By Turner Walston
Published in News on November 3, 2005 1:52 PM
Freedom will take to the skies once again for this year's Wings Over Wayne Air Show at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Saturday.
More than 25 aerial performances are scheduled to provide thrills and chills over Seymour Johnson, along with dozens of military and civilian static displays.
Maj. Brian McCarthy is serving as director for this year's Air Show.
"The reason the Air Force does open houses is we like to demonstrate our airpower, inform the public of our Air Force preparedness, modern weapons systems and capabilities and give a little back to the community through the air show," McCarthy said.
McCarthy, an instructor pilot, said airmen have been preparing in earnest for this year's show for about six months, in addition to normal on-base duties. He said thousands of airmen will participate in the event Saturday.
"It really does engage the whole base manpower-wise," he said.
McCarthy said he is expecting at least 35,000 people to attend the show.
"I think it's going to be great," he said. "We had a really good show last year. It kind of put us on the map. We've got some big-name acts, like the Memphis Belle and the Combined Arms Demo. I think it should be a good show."
Flying acts will begin at 10 a.m. and continue in the order below until 4:30 p.m. The schedule is subject to change.
* Remote Control F-15 E
* Hardee's Flights Unlimited
* L-39 Albatross
* Roger Marshall's Yak-55
* Jim Varden Pitts S-2C
* Geico Skytypers
* 82nd Airborne All-American Freefall Team
* 4th Fighter Wing Legacy Flyby
* KC-135R Stratotanker Flyby
* A-10 Warthog East Coast Demonstration Team
* Yak Demonstration Team
* Geico Skytypers
* Russian MiG-17F
* Speed for Hire Jet Truck
* Rob Holland's Ultimate Biplane
* Rob Holland vs. NASCAR
* StarFighters F-104 Team
* Kevin Russo's T-6/SN Texan
* Speed for Hire Jet Outhouse
* Canadian F-18 Hornet Demonstration Team
* Flying Farmer, Piper J-3 Cub
* Yak-9
* Speed for Hire Jet Truck Race
* AF Reserve Pitts
* F-15C Eagle East Coast Demonstration Team
* ACC Heritage Flyby
* Warbird Pass and Review
* 4th Fighter Wing Combined Arms Demonstration
Base gates will open at 9 a.m. The Oak Forest and Berkeley Boulevard gates will be open to the public. The Slocumb Street gate is reserved for performers. The public is encouraged to use the Oak Forest gate for easiest access to parking. Per base policy, motorcyclists must have helmets.
Visitors are asked to bring lawnchairs or blankets, as seating is not provided. Binoculars, cameras and baby strollers are welcome. Coolers, backpacks and pets are not permitted inside base gates. Handicapped parking and seating will be provided.
Seymour Johnson officials are asking for understanding from the community and said to expect delays at the base gates. All persons attending the air show will pass through metal detectors.
For more information on Saturday's show, check the Wings Over Wayne Web site at http://www.seymourjohnson.af.mil/airshow/.