LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
This year, AirPower over Hampton Roads will offer audiences past favorites as well as a performance America hasn't seen in almost 15 years.
Langley's 2008 air show will highlight the Royal Air Force's aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, who will make a historic visit to Langley to perform for the community.
The Red Arrows, who last performed stateside at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., in 1993, agreed to perform in place of the Air Force's Thunderbirds, who could not attend to due to a scheduling conflict.
"In short, we asked for help in a time of need, and they said yes," said Maj. Brady Merrill, AirPower over Hampton Roads director. "British support is reassuring and necessary in both peacetime and wartime, and I am extremely thankful for their immediate action and unselfish commitment."
Along with the nine-ship Red Arrows team, Langley will offer spectators a chance to see what the United States Air Force brings to the fight, including the newest fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the F-22A Raptor.
"In showcasing our 1st Fighter Wing mission, we want to provide an up-close and personal look for our young people in the local area," said Major Merrill, who also serves as the 71st Fighter Squadron's assistant director of operations. "The Air Force provides unique and challenging career opportunities and this is a great way for us to reach an indeterminable audience in a short period of time."
Other performers include the C-17 Globemaster, F-15E Eagle, B-2 Spirit, V-22 Osprey, and historic warbirds such as the F-4 and World War II-era P-51 Mustang.
Langley will also offer warbird static displays showcasing historic U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft, as well as a line-up of the current Air Force arsenal of aircraft. Sharing the stage with Langley is the U.S. Army's Virtual Experience, the E-Team Skydivers, Ed Hamill in his Pitts Special, the Geico Skytypers and many others.
The three-day air show will begin June 20 at 5 p.m. with a concert from country music singer Pat Green. Gates will open June 21 and 22 at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. The day's events will culminate with the F-22 demonstration and a performance by the Red Arrows.
This year, Langley anticipates more supporters than last year's turnout of 180,000.
"It is worth the time and effort because the open invitation to the public allows 1st Fighter Wing personnel to show our gratefulness to our local community for their continued support of our mission," said Major Merrill. "We are proud to be able to 'open our doors' and show our community partners the inner workings of Langley Air Force Base and the 1st Fighter Wing."